THE UNPREDICTABLE TIDE; AI AND HUMANITY’S FUTURE.
In the realm of non-experts but enthusiasts where I dwell, where the worlds of literature and technology collide, a profound appreciation exists within me for their shared power – the ability to reach multitudes swiftly and resoundingly. Today, I share thoughts that have long lingered in my mind, thoughts concerning the rise of artificial intelligence.
For quite some time, AI has loomed on the horizon, but now, it seems we've stepped right into its embrace. Describing the current state of affairs in the developed world is a challenge in itself; some may label it a bubble, others a revolution, and a few even herald it as the dawn of an entirely new era – the era of artificial intelligence.
Yet, amidst the awe and optimism, we confront one of humanity's enduring fears: change. This time, it feels different, for the true extent of the transformation AI has wrought, and will continue to unleash upon us, remains shrouded in uncertainty.
As with every General-Purpose Technology (GPT) that has come before, there exists a foreseen downside, often exaggerated but occasionally underestimated. Alongside this, there's the predictable upside, an extent unimagined until these technologies are fully in motion. Reflect upon the advent of the automobile, electricity, the steam engine, or the printing press, and this pattern emerges.
The imminent changes, set to sweep through industries and daily life, are expected to initially take firm root in the developed world. For instance, as Kai-Fu Lee illuminated in his book "AI Super Powers," approximately 70% of the wealth generated by AI will concentrate in China and the USA. It's reasonable to assume that a significant chunk of the remaining 30% will gravitate towards Europe and technologically advanced nations like Israel. This leaves the rest of the world struggling for morsels, as has often been the case.
However, the advent of AI paints a different picture. While it does demand substantial data centers to run its various applications, the tools through which we interact with AI are ubiquitous. Smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers are now found in almost every corner of the globe, from the most affluent to the most impoverished regions. It's this democratization of technology that fuels my idealistic ponderings about the potential of AI, particularly in Africa and my homeland, Uganda.
I'm not alone in my wonderings. Many share the same question: what will become of individuals whose sense of fulfillment has long been tied to their work, some of which will inevitably be replaced by intelligent machines? Perhaps, as AI advances further, we'll witness the emergence of applications designed to enhance human consciousness and foster personal reinvention on a scale previously unimaginable.
Mental health concerns have been on the rise long before the full deployment of intelligent machines. It's likely these issues will persist, if not intensify. Is there a way we can harness these technologies to safeguard our sanity and prevent societal fragmentation?
Could AI hold the key to bridging the persistent wealth gap between developed and developing nations? AI is already accelerating innovation at an unprecedented pace. Might it be the missing link that the developing world has yearned for, given its myriad challenges such as struggling economies, limited venture capital, and a dearth of world-class talent? These problems may soon find solutions through the advent of AI tools.
I envision a future where the youth, who comprise a significant portion of Africa's and many developing countries' populations, wield the tools to manifest their creations, unburdened by the current obstacles that hinder progress in these economies.
In an age where human connection feels increasingly scarce, the smartphone – intended to unite us – paradoxically isolates us. Commuters on buses and subways in bustling metropolises remain entranced by their screens, oblivious to the fellow traveler beside them.
As we contemplate this AI-driven future, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the potential for transformation is limitless. It's a time of awe and trepidation, where the answers to many questions remain shrouded in the mists of tomorrow. Yet, one thing is clear: we stand on the precipice of change, and the world as we know it is evolving before our eyes.
In the quiet moments of solitude, I often find myself yearning for the warmth and presence of another human being. The paradox of our modern world is that while we cherish our independence, there are times when the touch and companionship of fellow humans become an irreplaceable longing.
Imagine a world where we awaken in smart homes, summon driverless cars with a tap on our screens, order coffee served by robotic baristas, and shop in cashier-less supermarkets akin to Amazon Go. These advances in technology will streamline our lives, offering convenience at our fingertips. Yet, in the midst of these efficient interactions with machines, a question lingers: what becomes of our humanity when we interact less with people?
In these automated realms, it will still be the subtle human touches that enhance our experiences. A simple "How are you feeling this morning?" or "How was your night?" from a human being carries a unique energy that algorithms and computer programs can't replicate. There's an intangible beauty in these everyday human exchanges that we must not overlook.
My intent is not to advocate against AI; rather, it's to emphasize the importance of AI enhancing, not extinguishing, the qualities that make us human. As we forge ahead in innovation and creation, let's design tools and applications that not only preserve our humanity but also elevate it.
I hold a hope that not everyone participating in this race is solely driven by financial gain. I yearn for entrepreneurs and creators who wield these new tools with a primary motivation to do good, to better our world.
Beyond literature, one realm that has forever fascinated me is technology, especially technology-driven businesses. It's not just the immense financial rewards that beckon, but the sheer speed and scale with which technology products and services can proliferate across the globe.
I've ventured into this space before, driven by a dream to establish my own company, leveraging technology to address specific needs. Finance in the developing world/ Uganda, the digitalization of trading processes, renewable energy, and affordable housing were my areas of focus. These areas, especially in Uganda, presented glaring gaps waiting to be filled. A significant portion of Uganda's population remains unbanked, reliant on cash-based transactions, deprived of electricity, and living in inadequate housing. I aimed to provide not just affordable housing but also a smart financing system to empower people to attain these homes.
However, my ventures hit a roadblock when it came to seeking venture capital. The concept of venture capital, so prevalent in the developed world, is nearly absent in Uganda. I learned that many African startups that succeeded did so with foreign backing. My journey was not unique; it mirrored the experiences of countless creative and entrepreneurial minds in Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Remarkable ideas with the potential for great impact often perish prematurely.
My hope is that as the AI revolution gains momentum, substantial resources and technologies will be directed toward the often-neglected corners of our world. I don't say this out of sentiment, but because I've witnessed the untapped potential and the innovators who could bring transformative ideas to life, given the slightest opportunity and resources during this AI wave.
I keep my ideas pinned to the wall, hoping to see them implemented with a touch of AI sophistication. These are exciting times we live in, and what's even more exciting is that we're not mere spectators; we have the chance to harness this force for creation.
As we reflect on the AI wave's impact in the future, I hope to find substantial footprints in overlooked regions like Africa and the developing world. The future promises surprises beyond our imagination, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
If you’re also curious about AI and would like to continue the discord, reach out to me via Instagram and let’s learn from one another.
Fred Agaba