Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword

Several years ago, the ascent of AI became unavoidable owing to diverse societal
demands. A primary objective of AI is the creation of systems capable of scrutinizing vast
datasets, recognizing patterns, and rendering data-informed judgments. This capacity to
address issues effectively holds immense value across various sectors, spanning education,
healthcare, and employment. John McCarthy, credited as the progenitor of artificial intelligence,
introduced the term during the 1950s.

To our esteemed set of adjudicators, visitors, fellow students, friends, and members of
this noblest assembly, a pleasant day to everyone. Today, I stand in front of you all, in this
humbling opportunity to speak and tackle one of the most mainstream terminology in this
digital age- the rise of artificial intelligence.

In striving for balance, it is essential to recognize that AI, like everything else, harbors
both advantages and disadvantages. Among the challenges in AI, some noteworthy cons
include education, privacy and security, and employment. First on the list are the threats to
teachers’ job security. This is not happening yet, but it is a concern that the advancement and
adoption of AI could impact the need for certain educational job roles. As educational
institutions increasingly depend on AI-driven tools, there's a looming risk of overreliance among
both teachers and students on technology. Over time, this dependence may lead to the neglect
of essential traditional teaching methods and hinder the cultivation of critical thinking and
problem-solving abilities. Next is job displacement. One of the most prominent concerns
regarding AI is its potential to replace human workers, leading to substantial job losses across
industries. Aside from that, the growing dependence on AI also amplifies substantial privacy
and security apprehensions. Given AI's capacity to gather, analyze, and interpret extensive
personal data, there exists a potential hazard of unauthorized access, misuse, or exploitation of
sensitive information.

On the other end of the sword, while there has been much hubbub about how AI might
be misused, we must not overlook the many ways AI can be used for good. Our global issues
are complex, and AI provides us with a valuable tool to come up with solutions to vexing
problems. Artificial intelligence, propelled by deep-learning algorithms, is already making strides
in the healthcare sector. Many are not aware that AI's imaging capabilities hold promise for
cancer detection and screening, including the identification of breast cancer. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Did you know that The World Bee Project is using artificial intelligence to save the bees? The
global bee population is in decline, and that is bad news for our planet and our food supply.
Again, props to AI! Climate change poses a colossal challenge, yet numerous leaders in the
fields of AI and machine learning entertain the notion that technology could hold the key to
addressing it. Awesome! Lastly, artificial intelligence stands out as one of the most promising
tools in combatting the global hunger crisis. Its capacity to analyze vast datasets enables the
identification of optimal crops, seed development, maximization of current agricultural output,
and precise control of herbicide application- this will not only benefit the agricultural sector but
the consumers as well.

Ladies and gentlemen, may it be known to all of us that AI possesses neither inherent
goodness nor inherent badness. Instead, it represents a tool that can serve both beneficial and
detrimental ends, contingent upon its development and utilization. With this being said, let me
make a point for you to ponder- it is crucial to approach AI with vigilance and accountability,
ensuring that its development and deployment adhere to ethical and transparent standards.

Thank you, and let us enjoy the rest of the day.