People always seek ways to improve their lives. Through technology, no doubt artificial intelligence or AI will continue to hit mainstream in the coming years. In addition, as the age of AI invades the country and changes how the world works, how much do you know it? Is it a gift or a potential threat to humans? Read on and decide for yourself.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Mary Cummings, in her research paper published by Chatham House, defines artificial intelligence as “the capability of a computer system to perform tasks that require human intelligence.” Such tasks involve “visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.”
Famous AI examples are Siri, Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant, and Cortana.
The Importance of AI
Like it or not, AI is now a part of our lives. We may not know it, but each of us may have used or seen one already. Besides, it’s a given that AI makes living easy, hastens systems, and delivers quick and precise outcomes.
The Advantages of AI
AI’s arrival made humans view an easy life and a perfect world. Ideyatech says, aside from improving, AI continues to “increase in competency; thus, making it capable of handling more complex tasks for humans. It can also act as a catalyst to create scientific and technological discovery.”
Artificial intelligence “helps humans save time and resources; therefore, freeing up work hours” to let them do more important tasks. As a result, many firms now use it to their advantage—investing and taking over retail.
Artificial intelligence in the Philippines may not be at par with other countries; however, it still aids human resources. Its perks, as listed by Sprout Philippines, include:
– Efficient Data Collection
– Hiring Process Assistance
– Skills Matching to Specific Jobs
– Remote Employee Assistance
Potential Threats of AI to the Philippines
As a country with not so advanced digital and hi-tech systems, the Philippines is now in the age of AI. However, despite the benefits of AI, a handful of government officials raised concerns on its potential threats to BPO workers and OFWs.
Sen. Bam Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, in an interview with Inquirer.net, says he’s “not too excited” about the future of artificial intelligence. He fears AI will take over the jobs of Filipinos here and abroad.
A write-up by The Manila Times states Dr. Banatao, chair of the Philippine Development Foundation, also worries about it. He asserts, “Most of the estimated 1.3 million Filipinos working in BPO… will be displaced over the next two years by artificial intelligence technology being developed for BPOs.”
As these officials focus on BPO and overseas workers, they worry on the threat AI can bring to the country. They assume, if we don’t act, it won’t stop at these two sectors alone.
Easing the Risks and Maximizing the Advantages of AI
To lessen the risks and maximize the benefits of AI, you must prepare yourself for more innovations and advancements. Therefore, before you succumb to the threats, it’s your duty to learn and understand its impact on work and economy.
The government, trades, and schools should come together to support and offer Filipinos intensive education and training programs. In an article by CNN Philippines, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez states, “There is a need to strengthen curriculum towards computer science, engineering, data science and AI application design, among others. He assumes the work will be thorough since those who lost their jobs must get training in “AI application development” to find a new means of living. In contrast, students and future generations must arm themselves with knowledge, so they can outsmart AI.
No one can turn his/her back on artificial intelligence. Its impact on jobs, however, is a major concern. Yet, it can still empower people. You can prepare for the training and retraining of staff. Schools, such as CIIT, are here to guide you in learning the machine language. To learn what course suits your passion and skills, you can visit our page or email us at info@ciit.edu.ph.
Sources: chathamhouse.org | globussoft.com | ideyatech.com | sprout.ph | cnnphilippines.com | edweek.org | newsinfo.inquirer.net | manilatimes.net | imarkintl.com
Photo by Franck Veschi on Unsplash and Jens Mahnke from Pexels
