The term human AI is a recognition that the future is all about increased contact of humans with artificial intelligence. Hence, the term human-centered AI is perfectly placed here. 

In this write-up, we focus on certain human-AI myths that keep you from embracing its power. 

What is human AI?

Before discussing about human AI, let us first talk more about AI, a.k.a. Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the intelligence demonstrated by machines rather than natural intelligence displayed by animals, which includes humans. Now, it refers to the same process while emphasizing more on the human factor. Human-centered AI focuses on algorithms that reside within a wider, human-based system, learning through human input and collaboration. Human-centered AI refers to systems that improve over time as a result of human input while also offering a positive human-robot interaction.

There are a number of benefits that human-AI brings, and they include

The ability to make highly informed decisions. Human-centered AI isn’t aiming at replacing humans but to accelerating human capabilities through human-informed technology.

Another very impressive advantage that human-AI brings is reliability and scalability. Human-centered AI uses our strengths as human thinkers and scales them to meet far greater data requirements. AI aims to assist humans, yet it can only do so much without human input and understanding. Using a human-centric AI strategy, technology takes on some of the computational hard liftings while still relying on emotional and cognitive input from humans.

Helps build better software and products. By applying behavioral sciences to technology via human-centered AI, it is possible for product designers and developers to get a better insight into user behavior. It makes it possible to understand the subconscious patterns of individuals in order to build products and services that are more informed, satisfying, and rewarding.

However, there are a number of myths surrounding human AI. These myths are what keep people from embracing the power of Human AI.

Myth 1: AI will destroy most jobs 

This is the #1 myth that one might assume when talking about human AI. A lot of people come up with such theories, and one of the reasons for this is that they are not completely aware of human AI. The lack of this complete understanding of the technology is one root cause of such theories and myths. Another point to focus on is that majority of people believing that Human AI is going to replace jobs are technologists. However, there could have been some underlying truth to it had the myth come from economists who better understand the employment environments. Such claims coming from technologists usually talk about the fact that human-AI has the capability to eliminate several repetitive tasks.

To sum it up, human-AI certainly won’t replace human jobs. The fact is – while current day machines are incredibly capable, there is a human quotient that is always required. It does have the potential to disrupt labor drastically because of its ability to automate. However, seeing this as a straightforward transfer of labor from humans to machines is a vast over-simplification. It could be viewed off as a revolution like the industrial revolutions that have occurred in the past. For instance, there was a massive shift from agricultural work to working in factories during the nineteenth century. At this time, people panicked but, it was more like an opportunity to give jobs to the increasing number of unemployed people. Just like the previous industrial revolutions transformed the employment landscape, human-AI will also help enhance the landscape. However, this enhancement will happen in terms of increased efficiency and productivity. Employers are often looking at AI technology to supplement human workforces and enable people to operate in newer and better ways in the short term.

Myth 2: AI will make us, humans, stupid 

A few AI dystopians assert that AI will convert humans into mindless automatons who can only respond to the more sophisticated machine. Author Nicholas Carr has also noted that “Automation can take a toll on our work, our talents, and our lives.” According to the author, technologies such as AI simply our tasks to an extent where there is going to be very little human engagement. For instance, the emergence of GPS took a tool of people’s ability to read paper maps. With such technologies, it is sure that human skills are shifting gears, and certain habits have been diminishing. It is to be considered how they have actually improved our lives, and we have developed several new skills, such as the capacity to explore the Internet and use computers. While technology has become a common part of our lives, it is still a fact that learning technology and developing new skills need time and the use of our inherent skills. Therefore, it is safe to say that human AI isn’t making humans dumb. In fact, it is actually making lives better by handling our complexities!

Myth 3: AI has the power to destroy our privacy 

AI systems are data intensive. This means that they consume a lot of information, which leads to the myth that AI compromises our data privacy.

While AI systems have the potential and even the need to collect and analyze more data, the threat to privacy is comparable to that posed by non-AI systems today. A large number of entities already collect personal data. That isn’t going to change with AI. It may result in additional data being collected, but it will have no impact on privacy. Furthermore, the standards that currently govern data use and privacy protection will also apply to data evaluated by AI. 

At the same time, there are arguments that AI technologies give unlimited power to governments for surveillance. However, the fact is that governments don’t need AI to do that; there are other technologies already doing that. Instead of fearing AI, humans need to be more vigilant for the declining rule of law and democracy.

Myth 4: The complexity of AI will result in bias and abuse

There’s no doubting the fact that AI systems are complex as compared to traditional software systems. In traditional software systems, there is a pre-defined set of rules to make decisions. On the other hand, human-AI systems focus on continuous improvement based on experience.

This very nature of human-AI has led to the claims that this complexity of human-AI makes it “algorithmic bias,” enabling corporate and government abuse. This comes from the belief that institutions might “hide behind their algorithm” or act unethically. Another argument is that opaque, complicated systems make way for “runaway data” to produce damaging results.

Resistance to AI based on this fear overlooks a fundamental point: AI systems are not self-contained from their creators and, more critically, from the companies that utilize them. This means that if an institution wants to be unethical or biased, it doesn’t need AI.

Myth 5: AI will take over and potentially finish off the human race 

We’ll this myth is something that comes from sci-fi fanatics. There have been several scenarios in sci-fi movies and shows such as – The Terminator and The Matrix, making people believe that AI may end humans by taking over cognitive intelligence. Even the great physicist Stephen Hawking and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk – have made it clear that they believe it will happen. However, there is some growing consciousness, and people understand the possible dangers in the future. However, right now, it’s unlikely for anyone to be building or deploying autonomous machines that can “make up their minds” to hurt humans. Even though security drones and drones have been developed to identify and prevent threats and take information-led decisions to neutralize them, deploying them will probably cause massive public outrage. However, it could be a possibility in the future.

Final Thoughts 

To ensure that you make the most of this cutting-edge technology, AI must be perceived as less alien. That does not mean that AI systems must be able to think like humans or learn like humans.  

But the assumption is that they must make themselves accessible and communicate so that humans are comfortable and familiar with them. 

We have just busted some of the human-centered AI myths that keep you from embracing its power. 

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