The rise of AI: is it dangerous in the wrong hands?

AI is artificial intelligence, usually in the form of a chat box like chatgpt. Edge AI and Vision Alliance states that approximately 378 million people use AI in 2025, and those aged between 18-24 are twice as likely to use the software according to Semrush. 

Should we worry that our abilities to use the technology already available to us could decline as well as our own critical thinking skills? Are we declining as a society with our use of AI or really gaining anything from it? Jobs can be lost to AI, with a Goldman Sachs study showing that 40% of legal jobs would be replaced with AI. Not only is this worrying for aspiring lawyers and  lawyers or paralegals already in work, it is worrying for other sectors where admin work can be taken over by AI, with business being able to lower costs. We also have to be careful with who is owning the leading AI software, as biases can influence the response that is given by the bots/chatboxes. 

Information seeking is the leading use for AI, but an increasing number of people are using it to replace things like therapy, which can be damaging to younger and more vulnerable people. AI lacks human qualities like empathy, intuition and understanding of context. This can be detrimental to vulnerable people as AI gives the wrong information and could potentially worsen their situation or leave them dependent on something that's not real. This over-dependence on AI can also make decision-making harder for people.

However, AI does have its benefits. AI is good for repetitive tasks like emails, data entry and proofreading. They can handle tasks like chatbots for certain companies like EE, and help with minor problems to free up time for technical workers. Some people who struggle doing basic tasks may benefit from AI helping them to set a routine. AI is accessible 24/7, it also can help with innovation being added in google searches making finding results easier (though not always accurate).

But do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it really worth laying off workers so business people can save money? But if prices are made cheaper because of lower labour costs, is that not a good thing?

Cover image courtesy of BBC Newsround.