Versace does note that regulation will likely be needed in the future as more is understood about artificial intelligence and how we want to use it to better assist us each day. For example, he says that regulators may forbid companies from running AI on algorithms, which businesses like Facebook, Amazon and Google use extensively.
Job disruption will also be another factor that regulators will have to consider, says Versace. Musk has repeatedly discussed the effects of artificial intelligence on the workforce.
“What’s going to happen is robots will be able to do everything better than us. … I mean all of us,” Musk told the National Governors Association in June.
However, Versace says that this sentiment may be blown out of proportion. Although he admits that there will be some job loss, the positions will likely be remedial jobs like assembly line work or cleaning bathrooms.
Versace believes that this will actually push humans to seek out “jobs that are more elevated” and that require more brain power. “Humans are resourceful and history has shown we can change to various economic conditions,” he says.
Versace notes that like any other technological advancement, artificial intelligence can be used for good or bad. Therefore, Musk’s warnings can be considered “misleading.”
The AI expert suggests that people get “acquainted with artificial intelligence at its most basic level” instead of being afraid because we don’t understand the science behind it.
“The use of artificial intelligence is going to be very gradual,” says Versace, “so this doomsday scenario is just creating fear.”
Why Elon Musk might be right about his artificial intelligence warnings