Many of us have a cell phone, tablet, or computer. Such devices have made communication, research, and even driving much easier and more convenient. But as AI permeates our lives, we should be aware of its new dangers. Let’ s look at why:

1. People can become dependent on AI chatbots without realizing it, which can reduce brain activity and affect mental health. If an AI tool replaces using your own grey matter, it could lead to an increase in your social isolation, reduced ability to think critically, and decreased creativity.

2. Generative AI can create fake images, videos, and news stories that seem real and may present a distorted version of the facts. Those who are not tech savvy are less able to discern what is fact or fiction, particularly when it has a convincing appearance or tone. The best cure is to think critically about the information we are consuming and verify its source.

3. Generative AI chatbots are often wrong. They pull information from many different sources without analysis and will often give you an answer that isn’ t correct. Even Google’ s“ AI summary” can contain errors when it combines information from conflicting sources.

4. Plagiarism is another concern. AI can search out all types of information and generate new documents. Today’ s students need to learn, at an early age, about ethics, critical thinking, and how to use material found online. If you ask a chatbot to cite its sources, it will frequently provide“ hallucinated” references, complete with fictional authors,

titles, and journal names. This means that the educational curriculum and the style of education will require re-evaluation.

5. Financial fraud and other types of scams have become a big concern for seniors. AI tools can create deepfake video and audio of family members or financial advisers, and some seniors have found themselves swindled out of large sums of money.

6. Chatbots can be so personable that some people can develop relationships with them or rely on them for company. While chatbots might combat loneliness, they are not trained therapists. Don’ t let a chatbot replace a human when you need personal help or advice.

7. AI has the potential to transform the labour market and take over many jobs, which could affect thousands of people in the workforce.

8. AI consumes vast amounts of electricity and water, and its demands are increasing exponentially. When human requirements are also increasing, how can we justify this added demand? Will AI’ s needs overtake those of humans and our precious planet?

We all need to be concerned about AI, in all its forms. Know what you are up against. Be a wary consumer to avoid the pitfalls of AI— it has the potential to become the monster we cannot control.

Delia McCrae is a retired teacher with varied interests. She enjoys delving into topics like AI and sharing her findings with others. This helps her stay abreast of new developments in technology and life in general.

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