Over the recent decades Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved, providing us with unprecedented advancements in various industries. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and various other forms of “intelligence” similar to what we humans possess.  From healthcare to transportation, AI has the potential to revolutionize society. However, this technology does not come without significant drawbacks. As AI continues to integrate into the fabric of society, its potential harms must be brought to attention. While some argue that the benefits of AI outweigh its pitfalls, it’s essential to recognize that AI can exert a profoundly negative influence on society. AI’s risks include replacement of numerous jobs, and challenging academic integrity. AI can be as detrimental as it is beneficial to society even outweighing its positives. 

The development of AI has undoubtedly led to economic progress and innovation. Proponents of AI argue that AI will create new industries, enhance productivity, and solve complex problems that previously eluded human capability. For instance, AI’s aptitude in diagnosing medical conditions faster than experienced doctors has become well-documented; for example, its ability to “identify early-stage cancers that might be missed by the human eye” (Al antari). Serving as a second set of eyes for doctors, suggesting AI’s positive usefulness and its potential to save lives. The possibility for amelioration extends further when we consider the safety of using AI for potentially dangerous tasks for humans.  

One of the most alarming consequences of AI implementation is its threat to academic integrity. AI-powered tools like essay generators and plagiarism checkers were created to assist students, but they also serve as loopholes for learning processes provided by education institutions. According to a study by Wong and others, it is becoming increasingly difficult to uphold academic integrity standards, with many students relying on AI-generated content for assignments for “if there was a genuine effort to deceive, AI could cheat easily and convincingly” (Wong et al.). This along with the current methods of detection for the use of AI  “producing false positives” when applied to human written sources (Elkhatat et al.). not only compromises the educational system but also devalues genuine learning and intellectual growth. When students use AI to produce work without understanding the underlying content, they miss out on critical thinking and problem-solving component of learning; consequently, the academic qualifications achieved in such a manner become meaningless, eroding the credibility of educational institutions and having long-term negative effects on the individual and society at large.  

	In addition to compromising academic integrity, AI poses a significant threat to employment across various sectors which can result in an even larger social-economical divide between the rich and the poor. Many traditional roles are being rendered obsolete as businesses strive to enhance profitability by replacing the “low-skill, low-paid population” with machines for their tasks are relatively repetitive and can be “easily automated with machines” (Sholler and Maclnnes 7). “47% of total US employment is in the high-risk category, meaning that associated occupations are potentially automatable over some unspecified number of years, perhaps a decade or two” (Frey and Osborne 265). This mass displacement of workers can lead to severe economic instability and social collapse, with millions struggling to find suitable employment. This also leaves the marginalized and less educated individuals, who often occupy manual and routine jobs, are at particular risk. Consequently, a growing underclass may become permanently excluded from meaningful work opportunities, leading to increased poverty and inequality, leaving society more segregated. 

 
	While AI can undoubtedly enhance productivity and drive economic progress, these benefits must be weighed against the potential for increased poverty, inequality, and social segregation. With Frey and Osborne’s research highlights that nearly half of US jobs are at risk of automation within the next few decades, Policymakers, educators, and industry leaders must collaborate to create comprehensive strategies that mitigate AI’s adverse effects while maximizing its benefits. This includes implementing educational reforms that prioritize genuine learning and critical thinking, alongside policies that support retraining and upskilling programs to help displaced workers transition into new roles. By adopting a more balanced and controlled use of AI, and bringing more attention to the pitfalls it entails, we can strive to ensure that this powerful technology enriches society rather than ruining its fundamental values. Only through such conscious and collective efforts can we harness AI’s potential responsibly, fostering an environment where technological advancements contribute positively to human development and societal well-being. 


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