Fear of Artificial Intelligence: A Look at Underserved Communities

Have you ever feared something? I am going to take a chance and say yes.  What am I afraid of in the current technological landscape? Is it Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Is it how consumers will use it? Is it how AI will change the world too drastically? Hmm…, maybe some of all of that but really and truly it is about disproportionate and under-served communities. The absence of understanding and access to AI tools. We are in a time in which the mention of AI brings about many emotions and for some confusion. From excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty, we are experiencing a mix of reactions. Is it the concept of AI itself that frightens us? Or is it the fear of its misuse? For me, while these are felt by many and are of merit, these valid concerns often takes a backseat - the impact of AI on under-served communities. We already know there's a disparity in how we are all treated and in our access to resources. This bias can and most likely will spill over into AI, increasing the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the development and use of computer systems that are capable of performing tasks that would typically require human intelligence. It involves creating machines and software programs that can analyze and interpret data, learn from experiences, make decisions, and solve problems in a way similar to how humans do. AI aims to replicate or simulate human intelligence to improve efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness in various fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and many others. AI has become a pervasive part of our daily lives. It influences our online shopping recommendations, what shows we watch, who we follow on social media, how we access healthcare, and it plays a role in our children's learning. Essentially, AI is operating silently yet significantly in the background of our lives, changing the way we work, learn, and even entertain ourselves.

When an algorithm is built on biased data, it merely acts on the bias, providing the ability to impact decision-making in critical areas such as healthcare, law enforcement, and education. If AI is to shape our future, what does it mean for those who are already marginalized? Will they be further isolated in an AI-driven world?

Limited access to resources is another significant concern. In a future dominated by AI, will under served communities have equal access to the benefits AI can provide? Or will they be excluded, causing the digital divide to widen further?

This 'digital divide' refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't. As AI becomes increasingly influential, this divide could deepen, pushing the disadvantaged further into the periphery.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the issue of education and awareness. Are these communities equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to leverage AI effectively as it becomes a regular part of daily life? And if not, what can we do to bridge this gap?

This brings me to a mission that should be we all need to be a part of - the mission to educate and reassure these communities about AI. We must take steps to ensure that AI serves as a tool for inclusion rather than division. This involves creating awareness, making AI accessible with understanding, and ultimately showing that AI can be utilized to improve lives, regardless of social standing.

This mission cannot be achieved single-handedly. It requires the collective efforts of policy-makers, tech companies, and the communities themselves. Only through collective action can we hope to address the fears around AI, ensuring a future where AI benefits everyone, not just a select few.

As we stride into a future shaped by AI, we must keep the interests of underserved communities at the forefront. It's not enough to marvel at the possibilities AI brings. We must also ask - who will it serve and who could it leave behind? These questions are critical as we navigate our way through the power of AI and ease fears of communities being left behind.