Am I scared of AI? I am

Originally published in Manila Bulletin

Am I scared of AI? I am. And this is precisely why I’m talking about it.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly reshaping every aspect of our world. It has already begun transforming critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, communication, creativity, and social connectivity. AI's potential to address complex global challenges, optimize processes, improve efficiency, and foster groundbreaking innovations is remarkable. We stand at the brink of an unprecedented era, promising revolutionary advancements that could enhance human life, eradicate longstanding diseases, and solve issues that have eluded solutions for generations.

Yet, alongside these exciting prospects, a less optimistic scenario also looms. It's uncomfortable to confront, but essential to acknowledge: the risks AI brings. Its impact could be profoundly disruptive: affecting jobs, exacerbating inequalities, entrenching systemic biases, and even facilitating the manipulation of emotions, opinions, and decision-making processes on an unprecedented scale. The very technology we create to improve our lives could inadvertently undermine our freedoms and exacerbate existing societal divisions.

Yes, this worries me deeply. AI’s core strength—its ability to rapidly learn, adapt, and make autonomous decisions—also represents its greatest vulnerability. The sheer complexity and scale of AI systems can easily surpass human understanding and oversight. How AI decisions are made often remains opaque, even to the engineers who design them. This lack of transparency is troubling, as it raises significant ethical, legal, and practical questions about accountability. Who exactly controls these sophisticated technologies, and whose interests do they ultimately serve?

Furthermore, AI's transformative power extends into areas we might not immediately recognize. Algorithmic biases embedded in AI systems can perpetuate historical injustices and discrimination, resulting in unintended and harmful consequences. For instance, facial recognition technology has exhibited racial biases, and automated decision-making in finance or criminal justice can reinforce systemic inequalities. Without careful attention, AI risks amplifying the worst aspects of our society rather than uplifting the best.

Consider language, for instance. AI struggles significantly with digital equity in language representation. While AI demonstrates remarkable proficiency in English, it falls short when dealing with less globally dominant languages. In the Philippines, AI’s limitations are clearly evident. Though it can understand and communicate in Tagalog, it cannot do so with the same fluency, nuance, or capacity it demonstrates in English. Attempting to converse with AI in Karay-a, a regional language spoken by millions, yields minimal or no response. This digital inequity highlights a critical challenge—ensuring technological advancements serve all communities equally, not just the dominant or widely recognized languages.

Despite these valid concerns, my fear does not lead to rejection of technological progress. Instead, it fuels a motivation to engage actively and responsibly with AI's ongoing development. Silence, indifference, or passive acceptance will not equip us to leverage AI's benefits or guard against its potential pitfalls. Open dialogue, widespread public understanding, and informed engagement are vital.

I talk openly about AI precisely because it deserves thoughtful discussion. This dialogue increases awareness, encourages responsibility, and ensures that AI development aligns with shared human values. Talking about AI invites us to collectively consider the implications of this technology, and how we can manage it ethically and effectively.

Fear, in this context, is not debilitating—it is empowering. It compels us to remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring we address ethical, practical, and societal challenges head-on. Fear demands respect for the magnitude of our creation, cautioning us to tread carefully, guided by clear principles and informed by broad perspectives.

To be scared of AI is not a sign of weakness; rather, it's a demonstration of foresight. Recognizing the magnitude of AI's influence should inspire thoughtful dialogue and active involvement. Our task is to shape AI's trajectory so that its benefits are maximized and its risks minimized. We must ensure AI remains a tool for human advancement, not a force that dominates or diminishes our agency.

So yes, I am scared of AI. And precisely because I am scared, I will continue to talk about it, inviting you and everyone else to join this critical conversation. It’s only through open discussion, collective effort, and vigilant oversight that we can hope to guide AI toward a future that genuinely enhances our lives and respects our humanity.

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