Artificial Intelligence vs. Natural Stupidity

Abstract

The number of articles, contributions, TV reports and tweets, squeaks and cheeps on the social networks that deal with the emerging and invasive role of artificial intelligence (AI) in several aspects of our life is increasing enormously, day by day. Like for other hot issues, the use of AI has bright and dark sides. Some are sincerely excited by the potential beneficial outcomes of its applications, others are scared by the potential drawbacks, including some challenging limitations to human freedom. AI is an incredibly powerful machine. It can make calculations and infer conclusions starting from huge datasets and with such a speed that is absolutely inconceivable for a human being. However the history of technology teaches us that the problem is always in the mind and in the hands of the user and, particularly in this case, of the developer. It is not necessary to be sluggishly reluctant to accept innovations and changes to advance serious doubts on the consequences of AI. Some of these effects are, at the moment, unforeseeable.