The Hilarious Take of John Oliver on Artificial Intelligence
Throughout history, technology has evolved at an unimaginable pace, bringing about new inventions that have changed the landscape of the world as we know it. One such invention is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has disrupted every industry and promises new solutions to complicated problems. But, as AI gets more sophisticated, concerns around job loss, ethics, and the rise of machine dominance have arisen. Comedian John Oliver takes a hilarious and informative approach to the subject that is worth watching.
The Context
In 2016, John Oliver aired an episode of his TV show, Last Week Tonight, which focused on the impact of AI on industries and employment. In his usual fashion, Oliver did not fail to point out the funny side of the issue, while highlighting the importance of knowing the facts. The episode has since been watched by millions, and the humor that underlies the brilliant insights Oliver offers in this episode continues to make it a delight to watch.
The Hilarious Side of AI and its Advancements
The episode begins with Oliver introducing the topic of AI and the extent to which it has evolved, even highlighting the many advancements the technology has undergone in recent times. He jokes about Sophia, a humanoid robot, and how it had become a citizen of Saudi Arabia. Oliver humorously expresses disbelief at how we could have progressed so far in AI when we still cannot get Siri to understand us correctly.
Oliver then goes on to describe how AI can be used to benefit humanity, discussing the rise of driverless cars and the possible solutions to traffic and road safety they offer. He takes a potshot at some of the challenges that come with this, discussing how the technology might need to understand basic human language and sarcasm before it can be fully adopted.
The Impact of AI on Jobs
Oliver then succinctly addresses one of the most concerning implications of AI – job loss. He cites a recent study that warns that nearly 44% of all jobs in the United States could be automated and replaced by robotic technology within the next decade. He goes on to discuss how AI could be implemented into systems to perform day-to-day jobs without human intervention, such as bank transactions, and these jobs could eventually be lost.
Oliver highlights the bigger picture, and the possibilities that AI offers. He touches on the topic of free time, stating that we will have more free time to pursue more leisurely activities, such as video games and cat videos. However, he also acknowledges this could drive an increase in the unemployment rate and big business.
The Ethical Implications of AI
Finally, Oliver tackles the ethical aspect of AI and how the technology could exacerbate problems such as social bias, particularly in the US and other Western countries. He illustrates the capabilities of AI and that machines programmed only to respond logically could reveal trends of underlying bias in human society and ignore the necessary ethical, moral, or humanistic imperatives.
Conclusion
John Oliver has done an excellent job of highlighting AI and its many implications through entertainment. While the subject is complex, Oliver offers insights into the intersection of technology, humanity, and the future. The implications of AI are significant, and without a doubt, it is the responsibility of researchers, developers, policymakers, educators, and the general public to be astutely aware of the implications.
