AI technology, Blessing or Disaster?

           I guess all of you have heard about the historical GO match, held in this year March, between Lee Se-dol, the skillful pro go player, and AlphaGo. The glorious victory of this match belongs to Alphago which is computer program using AI technology. People was shocked and AI technology became more popular in public. AI is abbreviation of “Artificial intelligence” which refers to “Intelligence exhibited by machines. In computer science, an ideal “intelligent” machine is a flexible rational agent that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal.” Since AI is high-technology and recently developed, there are contrary expectations. Whether it is good or bad, AI technology is becoming a reality for us. Major companies around the world are researching and develop products using AI, even about to release.

           Some argue that using AI technology can enhance our quality of life. First expected altered technology of AI is personal assistant system. Movie named “Her,” released in 2013 is about future society where AI technology is prevalent. This is not fiction anymore. Experts are predicting to become this kind of technology will become reality very soon. With smart tech personal assistant we will be able to manage our work in faster, more convenient ways. Not only programmed AI, AI with robot is another expected area. Adapting AI technology in to robot should be watched. It is like giving physical body for the most smarted program. Experts are expecting this AI robot to realize welfare society. While the number of single elderly households is increasing, people who care them are not enough. In these circumstances, AI robot, which can deal with almost every activity of human, can be actual, direct help in their daily life.

           On the other hand, some people concern about this dazzling development of technology. They admit the amazing ability of AI technology and their worry starts here. They insist that the more we create smarter technology, the less human jobs will be. Appearance of AI, medical department is already in a tension. According to experiment done by using AI program to diagnose patient, AI diagnosed diseases more accurately than doctors. Not only job opportunities but also ethical problem will be rise. Is AI could consider as independent organism? Though exaggerated, some people object to AI technology, anticipating that the future of robot thinking and acting like humans will come. Also, because it is highly developed technology, if this technology used in dangerous field, such as war weapon, it can be a severe threat to humanity.

           Even now AI is still on its way of developing continually both internationally and nationally. Globally “Google,” which is developer of Alphago as well, is by far leader in AI technology. Their representative project using AI is “Self-driving car.” This car moves without any human driver instead they are driven by trained AI program. Google have made prototype of car in 2016 and is still developing its details. Also in Korea, “SK,” one of major telecommunication company is about to release AI program service named “NUGU” in public next year. “NUGU” is kind of personal assistant program that handles scheduling, music recommendation, automatic payment, etc. in a faster and convenient way. Beside those product mentioned above, companies are actively accepting the concept of AI.

           There is no doubt that the advent of AI technology is innovation. But like Stephen Hawking, one of notable scientist, once mentioned about AI as “possibilities to become both best technology ever and worst among humanity.” Since it is not fully refined popular technology, focusing on continual development is important but more important is to think this technology on various points of view such as ethical problem and war security problem, affecting job opportunities etc. Thinking carefully when using AI in appropriate position will definitely be blessing to our mankind.

One and Only Earth

         We are living in a most convenient and developed environment since the birth of civilization. However while enjoying remarkable progress, we destroyed a lot of natural resources we have. People started to worry about future and consider the concept of ‘sustainability’. ‘Sustainable’ which is origin of the word sustainability refers to “able to be use without being completely used up or destroy.” Mostly, sustainability deals with the problem of environment. Environmental problem must be considered first because we cannot live without it and also irreplaceable. Since this environmental problem is global issue, all world should try under one firm purpose to make better nature as government, as business, as individuals.

           Most general organization that affects whole country is government. Government’s attitude and action for environment problems are influential. They need to realize the seriousness of the problem and respond actively. One thing government can do is to make ecopolicy for both companies and individuals. For example, here in Korea we are forced by law to separate trash. This ecopolicy helps to recycle trash easily. Another example is that government supports companies financially when developing eco-friendly technology such as ‘R&Ds for electronic car’. It is important to make people act by law, but government should also try to inform people and make them act voluntarily and actively. They can use various media to educate people such as radios, News, TV ads, even with SNS or Youtubes.

           In capitalistic society we are living in, ‘Business’ is one of the most important elements in society. So their action plays a big role in environmental problem as well. Companies should know that by running their business eco-friendly not only make the Earth clean but also benefit them. Consumers today consider lots of aspect when choosing product, they consider the images of the company as well. For companies by doing eco-friendly action, their image will be enhanced and this would lead increased profit. Korean company named Yuhan-Kimberly which sells diaper, sanitary pad is a good example. They have planted trees in the country since 1984 and in 2014 they finally reached 50,000,000 trees. This continuous effort made customers to have credibility and this image of company positively affected to their product. Now in 2016, they are a front-runner of both diaper and sanitary pad market.

           Little drops of water make the mighty ocean. What we can infer in this sentence is that such big problem as environmental problem can solve throughout every individual’s effort. There are many offered instructions nowadays. All we need to do is have interest to our only Earth and be active, feel responsible for our act. Most essential natural resources for human’s survival are air, water. It is important to make ‘eco-friendly habit’ and become accustomed to ‘eco-friendly lifestyle’. By simply blocking our drain when washing hand or face can be one of eco-friendly habit to conserve water. Also, reducing usage of cars by walk short distance or use public transportation while moving can be both eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle.

           Earth is a one big organism. Like every organism does, they need to be cared. Unless they would be wounded become ill or even perish. Our future descendants will no longer get chance to live in beautiful Earth. For us to live in a safer, affluent life and for our offspring to live in a way that we have, we must start right now, right here by individuals, by entrepreneur, by government. Before it is too late, we all should try to preserve our beautiful cozy home.