We can embrace AI without losing the human virtue of emotions

Denise Harwood diagnoses an overheated computer processor at a Google data center. Such centers are proliferating as artificial intelligence and other computing becomes prevalent. There is an enormous upside to AI in expediting time-consuming tasks, but we are entering unchartered waters and don’t have the answers.

Texas State University graduate Emily Barrera of Houston hugs her aunt Wendy Mejia on May 14 after graduation ceremonies in San Marcos. Artificial intelligence cannot love or feel pain, joy and all the other emotional components that give genuine meaning to life.

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t hear about artificial intelligence. The conversation ranges from AI’s vast potential to its limitations and unknown consequences.

A summation from writer and podcaster Jacob Ward really resonated: “AI systems are built by vacuuming up the worst and best of human behavior and recombining it into something that feels intelligent, emotional, and intimate.”

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He speaks from experience, having spent 20 years tracking tech power for NBC News, CNN, Al Jazeera and PBS.

We have consistently benefited from innovations that have made life more convenient and enjoyable, ranging from the washing machine to the microwave oven to the cellphone.

Certainly, there is an enormous upside to AI in expediting time-consuming tasks related to doing research, taking notes, organizing data and preparing drafts.

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At the same time, we are entering unchartered waters and don’t have the answers to the potential reduction of jobs, the ethical implications, and the demeaning of human creativity, emotion and empathy.

AI enthusiasts brag that AI takes emotion out of decision-making. I challenge that so-called virtue.

One of the most profound challenges facing America is the growing intensity of division and polarization. Basic civility is at stake. We are forfeiting the capacity to enjoy mutually respectful conversations with those who hold different opinions.

American progress has been built on welcoming newcomers who bring with them different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and approaches to problem-solving.

AI points us in the direction of a single way and source of thinking, knowledge and answers. That is dangerous.

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Clearly, the jury is out on the potential and limitations of AI.

A timely example is whether you would ride in a self-driven or autonomous vehicle. Approximately 35 million are on the road right now. The consensus appears to be that most of us are getting closer to taking that ride but just aren’t ready yet.

Let us never lose sight that emotion, not solely analytics and data, can and should play a huge role in our lives.

Consider the most important decisions that we make: The people, pets, values, priorities and needs we treasure are influenced as much, if not more so, by the heart than the brain.

Let’s embrace every opportunity to adopt AI in becoming better informed and more judicious decision-makers, paving the way for a brighter, stronger and more socially just future.

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There’s no denying that computers, chatbots, virtual assistants and other technological advancements will play a larger role in our lives, but let us never forget that AI is exactly that: artificial.

It cannot love or feel pain, joy and all the other emotional components that give genuine meaning to life.

There should be deep thought given to a wide range of consequences led by a legitimate concern about how far AI will go in the future, as well as how boundaries will be decided and who will do the deciding.

Jim Eskin is a fundraising trainer and consultant with more than three decades of experience in the local nonprofit sector.

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