Is AI Good or Bad?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. From enhancing the capabilities of our smartphones to revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, AI technologies hold immense potential. But is AI a hero or a villain? This question sparks endless debates as we witness AI driving breakthroughs in medicine and art, while also enabling unsettling phenomena like deepfake videos.

As with any powerful tool, the impact of AI largely depends on how it is applied. People often ask me to share my thoughts on AI’s impact on our society. I firmly believe that there is no bad technology, only good and bad applications of technology. Earlier today, I came across two representative examples that perfectly illustrate this point.

First, I read an article on The Verge about Scarlett Johansson‘s call for a deepfake ban after an AI-generated video featuring her went viral. It’s concerning that such fake, AI-generated videos are allowed to circulate, undermining trust and ethical standards. This is a prime example of groundbreaking technology being used irresponsibly, leading to harmful consequences. I am not commenting on whether I agree/disagree with the message the creators are trying to convey. Faking a message is NOT the way to accomplish one’s goals.

Later in the day, during a break, I decided to watch the latest episode of Veritasium, one of my favorite YouTube channels. “The Most Useful Thing AI Has Done” episode discusses the use of AI to discover the structure of proteins and, ultimately, to design new proteins. It dives into the history of the CASP competition, David Baker’s (University of Washington) Rosetta@Home program in the 90s (to which I contributed back then), his subsequent game, and then DeepMind’s remarkable contributions. This episode showcases how AI, when used responsibly, can drive transformative progress in science and medicine. I highly recommend checking it out.

AI technologies are neither inherently good nor bad; their impact depends on how they are applied. When used responsibly and ethically, AI has the potential to drive significant positive change across our lives. However, the misuse of AI can lead to harmful consequences, highlighting the need for clear regulations, ethical guidelines, and ongoing dialogue about its responsible use.

By focusing on the good applications of AI and addressing the challenges posed by its misuse, we can harness the full potential of this powerful tool for the benefit of humanity. As we stand at the crossroads of AI’s evolution, the question remains: How will we ensure this powerful tool is wielded responsibly for the good of humanity.