Introduction
We have seen the amazing feats that have been achieved in the field of technology, of which the area of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been in the forefront. But just like you know, change is progressive, and we could be witnessing another paradigm shift from the AI into what is called IA (Intelligence Augmentation). In this survey, we will be looking at the comparison between the AI and IA, and of course the limitations. I will also give us a real-life scenario for better understanding.
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
To make for a better clarity of this survey, I will quickly put us through the concept of both, starting with the one we're very familiar with.
Concept and overview of AI
We have had some considerably fair knowledge about this (at least, if you've been following my recent posts, you would) so I wouldn't flood here with vain repetitions. it has been often believed that technology is here to assist mankind. Yes; for the major part of it, this is correct, but in the case of AI, we have rather seen machines replacing the functionalities of humans rather than complementing it.
The idea behind AI, in general, is to create a kind of "Machine Learning system" that will enable machines pick up entirely new sets of information and act autonomously. But that is where the major challenge lies; the autonomous nature of these machines have been seen and considered to pose some threats to the existence of mankind. And one of them is the threat that machines would replace humans. No doubt, this has already started; even in the labour market; as machines and automation have taken over some of the human jobs. Here's a statement I had once referenced; which I will still reiterate here; made by Professor Morshe Vardi (Dept. of Computer Science; Rice University Texas)
An era is approaching in which machines (AI, in the context) would out-perform humans in almost every task. - Professor Vardi. Source. [Paraphrased by me]
Now considering this; the threat has been so looming that it has been said that millions of jobs would be decimated by automation in the nearest future. But asides this, we have also seen advancements that could further create machines that would simulate the consciousness of humans in an un-natural way. Do you know what this means? Maybe it could be a partial fulfilment of the prediction made by the lately demised professor of theoretical physics; Stephen hawking:
... AI will take over and end the human race. - Professor Stephen Hawking. Source. [Paraphrased by me]
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
Another downturn to the AI is this: Yes! Machines are fast and have high computational abilities, but there are areas that have been kept in the grey area (for example; decision making, common sense, emotions, etc).
In the bid to circumvent all these challenges with AI, another option is fast rising from the shadows, and this is the Intelligence Augmentation (IA). We would look at this and how it would change the face of human-machine interaction in the future.
Concept of IA
The term "Intelligence Augmentation" (IA) is not entirely new to the tech world. The first mention of it was made in the 1950s (around the same time AI was also mentioned first), but it hasn't gained much attention until very lately.
IA is a technology; or I should say; a process whereby machines are made to complement and supplement human abilities, and not to totally replace them as seen in the case of AI and automation. let me give you a real-life scenario to help you understand both the AI and the IA:
There is a flip side to the IA, and that's the area of human-machine symbiosis. Yes! This is actually part of the IA. Looking at this; the earlier discussed AI is void of judgemental inferences, decision making, and efferent relationships (these are the absolute prerogatives of humans). But as you know, humans are limited in physical abilities and strength. Now, considering this fact: A merger between humans and machines could actually be the ultimate destination of the IA, and it could be what would salvage the human race from the predicated threat of an AI takeover.
No wonder it has been said by a renowned futurist and inventor; Elon Musk (CEO Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralinks) that:
Humans would need to merge with machines to protect the human race. Elon musk. [Paraphrased from this video source here]
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
I believe what Elon Musk was trying to say is related to the creation of some sort of cybernetic organisms (cyborgs). That means, "biology" would have to merge with "technology" to protect the human race. This sounds like an idea (combination of digital or machine intelligence with biological or human intelligence). No wonder it has been said that:
The future would favour technology over biology
But the technology of IA would also place machine control in our hands, and these machines would also be subject to our dictates, as against AI that would run autonomously without recourse to human input.
Now, the idea of the IA can be summarized like this: Combining the strength of humans with the strength of machines, thus, eliminating the weaknesses in both. And believe me, progresses have been made in the right direction; and in the not-so-far future, this could be a reality.
[Image Source: Pexels. CC0 Licensed]
Conclusion
No doubt, humans are limited in capacity and functionality; and that is the reason we have seen advances being made to augment these limitations. Before now, the major attention was drawn towards the AI, but as it turned out, AI could potentially side-line humans, and this has already started. in a bid to circumvent this, another option arose; which is the IA. Now, instead of machines replacing humans and running autonomously, they can be made to complement us and work together with us in a symbiotic way. This is actually the idea behind IA. After all, technology is meant to assist humankind, not to replace humankind.
Thanks for reading
References for further reading:
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