Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword, a term resonating in the corridors of businesses, everyday conversations, and catchy advertisements. But behind this facade of innovation and potential lies a dark side that deserves to be thoroughly explored.

On one hand, AI promises to revolutionize the world, to solve the most complex problems, and to improve human life in unimaginable ways. On the other hand, however, we are faced with a flood of exaggerations, empty promises, and even fraud.

The Illusions of AI: From the Chessboard to the Supermarket

In 1770, Hungarian author and inventor Wolf Gan Von Kempelen amazed the world with his self-operating chess-playing machine called “The Mechanical Turk.” This ingenious device seemed to play chess better than many humans, even beating famous players like Napoleon and Benjamin Franklin. But behind this machine was a trick: a man secretly operated the device from under the table.

Hundreds of years later, in 2016, Amazon pulled off a similar stunt with its “Just Walk Out” checkout system. This system allowed customers to shop in stores without having to go through the checkout, thanks to AI automatically handling transactions. But here too, there was a trick: the system was actually monitored and managed by thousands of people in India.

The Trap of AI Washing: Illusions and Delusions

The practice of “AI washing” involves companies exaggerating or deceiving about the use and capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in their products or services. This can take various forms, such as inflating the AI capabilities of a product to make it seem more advanced than it actually is, or making false claims about how AI is used within a company’s operations. These tactics are often employed to attract investors and customers who are drawn to the perceived benefits of AI technology.

One of the key issues with AI washing is that it undermines consumer trust. When companies make exaggerated or false claims about their use of AI, consumers may develop unrealistic expectations about what the product or service can deliver. When these expectations are not met, it can lead to dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in the company and its offerings.

AI washing can have serious consequences for those working in the AI field legitimately. When companies misrepresent their use of AI, it can distort perceptions of what AI is capable of and create misconceptions about the technology. This can make it more difficult for legitimate AI researchers and developers to gain recognition for their work and secure funding for their projects.

In light of the AI revolution of recent years, it is essential to take a more critical and transparent approach to AI and its applications. This means holding companies accountable for their claims about AI and ensuring that they provide accurate and detailed information about how AI is used in their products and services. By promoting transparency and accountability, we can help build trust in AI technology and foster responsible development and deployment of AI applications.

AI and Jobs: The Paradox of the Assistant or the Substitute?

One of the biggest promises of AI is that it will not replace humans but assist them, creating new jobs and improving existing working conditions. However, the reality is more complicated.

While some companies claim that AI is not replacing workers, mass layoffs in the tech sector suggest otherwise. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, companies are cutting thousands of jobs citing AI as the main cause.

In Search of a Balanced Future for AI

Amidst all these illusions, there is still hope for a balanced and promising future for AI. Not all companies are involved in AI washing, and many are using AI effectively and responsibly.

But it is important for all of us, as consumers and aware citizens, to pay attention to the promises and illusions of AI. We must demand transparency and accountability from companies using AI and support responsible research and development of this technology.

AI, from my perspective, has the potential to transform the world for the better, but only if managed with care, integrity, and awareness of its limitations and implications. And as we move towards an increasingly technological future, we must remember that true progress lies not only in innovation but also in ethics and responsibility.