Abstract
As all data are essentially numbers, AI (notably Machine Learning) greatly facilitates data analytics in our complex world. However, this leads to a strong mathematization of all scientific domains. As few people have such skills, the inability to follow AI progress can fuel technophobia. In the long run, if this situation does not change, it can lead to a social implosion at global level, due to inability to absorb knowledge, create new one and pass it to ne generations. Therefore, all humans must be educated, whether they come from Global North or South, irrespective of sex. Luckily, AI concepts are simple and can be taught at any educational level (from primary school to University), by progressively using more Mathematics at higher levels. This can lead to lowering the Digital Divide, by educating well good citizens and scientists all over the world. So far, we are not there yet, as the Global South lags in AI education, as can be seen in the attached figure.
Overall, AI changes the education landscape worldwide. If properly used, it can provide significant educational tools at all educational levels all over the world, e.g., through Large Language Models (LLMs) or Generative AI. In this sense, it can help lower the Digital Divide. After all, LLMs use cultural treasures (texts) from all over the world, including the Global South for their training. However, if such AI tools are used in a catastrophic way, e.g., to fuel disinformation through Deepfakes, or to manipulate or intimidate people through personalized political advertisement or kill people through autonomous weapons, the results can be devastating. This can fuel social instability, threats to Democracy, and local military conflicts, as AI can be used as a ‘poor man’s weapon’. We should do our best to avoid such a devastating AI use.
Figure: Countries that offer AI studies.
Bibliography
- I. Pitas, “Artificial Intelligence Science and Society Part A: Introduction to AI Science and Information Technology” https://www.amazon.com/dp/9609156460?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
- I. Pitas, “Artificial Intelligence Science and Society Part B: AI Science, Mind and Humans” https://www.amazon.com/dp/9609156479?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
- I. Pitas, “Artificial Intelligence Science and Society Part C: AI Science and Society” https://www.amazon.com/dp/9609156487?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
- I. Pitas, “Artificial Intelligence Science and Society Part D: AI Science and the Environment” https://www.amazon.com/dp/9609156495?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860