There is something profoundly liberating about embracing skepticism when it comes to artificial intelligence and its impact on society. In an age when we are bombarded with enthusiastic proclamations e catastrophic forecasts, stopping for a moment and saying “wait, let’s see” may seem counter-current. Yet, it is precisely in this space of critical reflection that the most enlightening questions and the most innovative solutions arise.
The social impact of AI is not a written destiny, but a path we are collectively charting. And on this journey, skepticism is not heavy baggage, but a valuable map to avoid pitfalls and discover new opportunities.
Skepticism as a Compass in the Age of AI
Il noise around artificial intelligence is deafening. And there's a reason: the size of the global AI market will be over $454 billion by the end of 2024: a figure larger than the individual GDPs of 180 countries, including the “virtuous” Finland, Portugal and New Zealand.
Amid this boom, skepticism emerges as a beacon of sanity. It's not about denying the potential of AI, but about approaching it with open eyes and a critical mind.
Think of how many times in history great innovations have been greeted with a mixture of enthusiasm and fear. The advent of the phone, of the car, of Internet: At all times, skepticism has played a crucial role in shaping these technologies for the common good. Today, with AI promising (or threatening) to redefine every aspect of our lives, that healthy skepticism is more important than ever.
Skepticism, in this case, is not pessimism. It is curiosity., is a desire to understand, it is the drive to ask uncomfortable but necessary questions. It is the engine that drives us to seek evidence, to test hypotheses, to not settle for easy answers.
Journey through the challenges of AI
Imagine being on a spaceship headed for an unknown planet. AI is our engine, powerful and promising, but also unpredictable. Skepticism is our navigation system, helping us avoid asteroids and correct our course when necessary.
One of the first stops on this journey is the question of algorithmic biases. AI algorithms, however sophisticated, can perpetuate and amplify existing prejudices. Skepticism pushes us to critically examine these systems, to ask, “Are we actually creating a more equitable future, or are we just automating injustice?”
Un recent study revealed that “More than 80% of AI projects fail: double the rate of IT projects that do not involve AI.”
This data, rather than discouraging us, should encourage us. It reminds us that AI is not a magic wand, but a tool that requires understanding, care and, yes, skepticism to be used effectively.
The art of doubting to progress
Skepticism is an art. It requires balance, it requires asking the right questions at the right time. It is not about hindering progress, but about making sure that progress is real progress, that it leads us to a better future for all.
Let's take the example of the privacy. AI has enormous potential in personalising services and experiences, but at what cost? Skepticism prompts us to ask: Are we too easily trading our privacy for convenience? These questions don’t stifle innovation, they guide it toward more ethical and sustainable solutions.
Skepticism as a Bridge Between Technology and Humanity
One of the biggest challenges of AI is keep the human element at the center. Skepticism plays a crucial role in this. It constantly reminds us to ask ourselves: is this technology really improving people’s lives? Is it creating more opportunities or increasing inequality?
I emphasize the importance of a critical approach. Skepticism is nourishing. We need ways to move beyond the daily chatter and hustle and bustle. This perspective does not see skepticism as a brake, but as a catalyst for more responsible and human-centered innovation.
Towards a future of responsible innovation
The AI journey has just begun, and skepticism will be our most valuable companion along the way. It will help us navigate the murky waters of ethics, privacy, and fairness. A close friend of philosophy e sociologyIt will push us to seek innovative solutions to problems that we may not have even imagined yet.
Through doubt we will find the right questions. It is to shape a tomorrow where technology and humanity not only coexist, but they bloom together, creating a positive and lasting social impact.