All images used in this Article is by: Nigerian filmmaker and artist, Malik Afegbua 

Here’s my thought on: Why AI Constitutes My Latest Guilty Pleasure

I am always one to seek various ways to make my life easier. Is there work to do? Are there any inventions available to ease the work process? Sign me up! However, recent AI developments have me questioning the consequences of human inventions. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to when humans had to travel for months via sea and land.

Scientists tirelessly experimented with various inventions to save time and improve the travel experience. Then we had the airplane. Today, improved versions of the initial inventions exist as well as more advanced jets taking man to space. What a time to be alive! Or is it? Global technological inventions have begun to clash with calls for a net zero world to reduce the effects of climate change. According to recent data, air travel contributes about 3.5% to global climate change and accounts for 2.5% of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. With this, it is safe to question the positive impact of air travel compared to its impending negative impact.

In the same light, AI is here and presented as a lifesaver. Why worry when you can get things done for you? Well…worry! Recent AI-generated art, music and videos have been so real it is almost impossible to tell that it was not made by a human. The ability of this invention to do things even better than humans makes you awe-inspired but scared at the same time. However, it is necessary to ask the right questions; is AI here to make life easier or to replace humans?

I was recently in an active battle against the AI language model until I concluded that it was dumb. Before this, I refused to use it because nothing could replace the human touch of art. I must also confess that I was threatened by the widespread acceptance of the model which meant that my services were soon to be unnecessary. After a slight debate with a colleague, I decided to try out the model to confirm its laudability. I must confess that I was initially wowed by its ability to creatively craft written pieces. However, I did notice that its knowledge was limited to what already existed (knowledge created by man).
Therefore, at this moment I can safely conclude that humans are indispensable. Qualities like creativity and innovation akin to humans were gravely lacking, and its function is only dependent on the quality of human use.

So, while concerns still stand about the economic implications of further AI development, it only exists today as a help. If you wield this wand correctly, you are bound to be at the forefront of society’s thriving individuals.