Artificial intelligence has been in development for several decades. The current hype about AI creates the impression that AI is a new thing. However, giant strides are being made in the field of AI now, partly because there is now a greater commitment to the research, development and use of AI and associated fields and technologies.

Not everyone is aware of what this whole AI thing is about and where it is leading the world to. Some are even scared of AI. This is understandable as most people tend to have fear of the unknown – knowledge is the answer. Some think of AI as a welcome development; some think it is negative; while others are completely indifferent. Whether we like it or not, we need to understand that AI has come to stay – there is no going back.

Essentially, artificial intelligence is about making (or programming) the computer to exhibit humanlike intelligence. In other words, it is about making the computer perform tasks which otherwise should have been done by humans. For instance we are all used to ATMs used in the banks for various banking activities like cash withdrawals, account balance inquiry, cash transfers and much more. Before the advent of ATMs all these tasks were performed by human agents, mostly Tellers (i.e. Cashiers).

This banking scenario typifies how AI can make life easier, save cost and enhance productivity. As a result of the use of ATMs the banks now employ fewer workers and customer service is a lot more convenient and faster. I have decided to use this common example just to show that AI is not a new concepts. We’ve all been benefiting from AI based technologies for a long time. So there is no need to be afraid of AI.

However, AI is taking giant strides now, with the potential ability of taking us into strange and amazing terrains. For example when we consider the fact that, in the artificial intelligence proposed development path, the ultimate goal is to development what is described as self-aware AI, it is natural to nurse some degree of concern. We are not at all there yet, so let’s not be threatened by this.

For now let’s try to anticipate the future by learning from the past. I do remember that when I started studying computing decades ago, we were told that one of the disadvantages of computers is the fact that it will reduce job availability because a computer can process enormous amount of data at a much faster rate and for several other reasons. But today one can easy see that the unemployment threat was baseless.

Computer technology indeed led to a reduction in the number of employees needed for some type of jobs. However, it is also clearly evident that the arrival of computers has also led to the creation of new types of jobs that didn’t exist in the past. For example, we now have software engineers, programmers, data analysts, data scientists, digital marketers (thanks to the web and internet), and several other information technology practitioners.

So the important thing is for everyone to be abreast of where things are headed and to prepare and position oneself to take advantage of emerging opportunities which are consequent upon technological developments. These things cannot be stopped anymore, it is much too late to attempt such now. The world has tasted and have seen that technology is good, and people are hungry for more.

To begin with, nobody should be computer illiterate anymore. Anyone who is not computer literate, in this time and age, is doing great disservice to himself of herself. The basics of information technology is a necessary foundation. We must begin to prepare our children for the future by teaching them the basics of computers – not just theoretically, but with practical exposure.

It must be noted that technology meant for good are often utilized by evil minded people to cause problems and commit all sort of crimes. Artificial Intelligence is not exempt from this vulnerability. The bottom-line, however, is that If things are managed properly, AI will generally enhance the standard of living of people and not destroy the world.