Question- How can generative AI affect the future?

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, "By 2025, over half of all workplace tasks
will be carried out by machines, with algorithms specifically designed to perform particular
tasks." Generative AI is a significant world problem because it has the potential to change the
way we live and work, and it is important to ensure that it is developed and used in a way that
benefits society as a whole. While some countries are investing heavily in generative AI
research and development, others are more cautious and have raised concerns about the
potential risks and ethical issues. This essay will explore the potential risks of generative AI from
a global and national perspective. It will examine the underlying causes leading to the misuse of
generative AI, and the challenges of regulating a rapidly evolving technology. Two research
papers, "The Ethics of AI Ethics: An Evaluation of Guidelines" by Anderson and "A Conceptual
Framework for Understanding the Cultural and Societal Impact of AI" by Yonck, will be used and
cited to provide a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding generative AI.

I identified three major problems throughout my research, namely, the spread of disinformation
and fake news, the potential impact of generative AI on employment and the economy, and the
need for ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible development and use of generative AI.

ISSUE 1- The Spreading of Disinformation Caused By Generative AI

According to a research report by the Pew Research Center, the issue of spreading
disinformation caused by generative AI has been on the rise in recent years, due to content
generated by it becoming more sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from authentic content,
leading to a rise in the spread of fake news and propaganda. One major cause of spreading
disinformation is the ease with which generative AI can be used to create convincing fake
content, including deepfake videos, audio recordings, and text. Additionally, generative AI may
obtain information from biased or inaccurate sources, leading to further complications.
Generative AI can be used for good, to create realistic simulations for training purposes in fields
such as the military. However, fake content generated by generative AI can be used to
manipulate public opinion, spread propaganda, and sow division. In the 2020 US presidential
election, AI-generated deepfake videos were used to spread false information about the
candidates and influence voters. Statistics from the Pew Research Center report highlight the
severity of the issue of spreading disinformation caused by generative AI. The report notes that
in 2019, 61% of Americans reported encountering fake news online, with a significant portion of
that content being generated by AI.

In India, the issue of spreading disinformation caused by generative AI is a growing concern,

with serious implications for society and politics. One of the most significant examples of the
spread of disinformation caused by generative AI in India is the proliferation of deepfake videos,
which can be used to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. In the lead-up to
the 2019 Indian general elections, a number of deepfake videos featuring political candidates
were circulated on social media, leading to concerns about the impact on the electoral process.
On the positive side, generative AI can be used to improve healthcare, education, and scientific
research. However, the potential loss of jobs due to automation, biases in AI algorithms leading
to discrimination, and challenges in regulating the rapidly evolving technology, can all be
negative consequences of generative AI. Statistics from a study by the Centre for Media Studies
highlight the severity of the issue in India. The study found that social media platforms such as
WhatsApp and Facebook were responsible for the spread of a significant amount of fake news
during the 2019 general elections. I myself, have encountered instances of disinformation
caused by generative AI on social media platforms such as WhatsApp.

The issue of the spreading of disinformation caused by generative AI is a global concern that
affects different countries in varying ways. Countries such as China and the United States are
among those that are heavily investing in the development and implementation of generative AI
technologies. However, the potential consequences of generative AI on the spreading of
disinformation may differ depending on the country's technological capacity, level of economic
development, and cultural context. For example, China has been accused of using generative
AI to manipulate public opinion through the creation of deepfake videos, while the US has faced
similar accusations related to the spread of fake news during election cycles. In both countries,
the consequences of the spread of disinformation caused by generative AI may be more serious
due to their large populations and influential role in global politics. Different people across
cultures may feel differently about the issue of the spread of disinformation caused by
generative AI. For example, some may view the development of generative AI as an exciting
technological advancement that could have numerous positive applications. Others may be
more skeptical and worry about the potential negative consequences of generative AI, including
the spread of disinformation.

The sources I have used are the World Economic Forum, Pew Research Center, and the
Centre for Media Studies. The information from these sources can be considered reliable as
they are well-known and respected organizations in their respective fields. However, these
sources can be biased in certain ways. The World Economic Forum may have a bias towards a
more positive outlook on the potential benefits of generative AI as they promote economic
growth and development. One particular source I used is the Pew Research Center, which uses
a variety of research methods, including surveys and data analysis, to collect and analyze data.
Pew Research Center is based in the United States, but its research covers a wide range of
countries and regions. They use large and diverse samples in their research and collect data
from people of all ages, genders, and sizes, which ensures that their research is inclusive and
representative.

ISSUE 2- The Potential Impact of Generative AI on Employment and the Economy

Research reports have indicated that the impact of generative AI on employment and the
economy has increased in recent years. According to a report by PwC, AI could contribute up to
$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with an increase in GDP of 14% in North America,
10% in Europe, and 6% in Asia. The causes that have led to such an impact are the
advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Machines
are now capable of generating creative outputs, imitating human behavior, and making complex
decisions. There is now potential to automate many jobs, especially those that involve repetitive
tasks or decision-making based on rules. Generative AI can have varied impacts, leading to
mixed results. On one hand, generative AI has the potential to increase productivity, reduce
costs, and improve efficiency, like in customer service, where they would efficient, and would
lower the margin for error. On the other hand, the increased use of generative AI could lead to
job losses in industries like transportation, as many tasks could be automated. This could lead
to a widening income gap, as those who are not skilled in the use of AI would find it difficult to
secure employment.

As AI technology advances, it is expected to have a significant impact on India's economy and

employment landscape. Generative AI can and has helped create new job opportunities. The
demand for skilled professionals in the field of AI is growing rapidly, and it is expected to
increase further in the coming years. This would result in the development of new industries and
the creation of new job roles that would require AI expertise. On the flip side, the increased use
of AI technology in various industries could result in the displacement of certain job roles. For
instance, the automation of certain manufacturing processes can result in the loss of jobs for
unskilled laborers. The adoption of AI technology can lead to improved efficiency and
productivity in various industries, resulting in increased economic growth. However, the
development of AI technology also requires significant investment, which may affect the
economy in the short term. According to a report by PwC, AI is expected to contribute $15.7
trillion to the global economy by 2030, with India being one of the top beneficiaries. The report
also states that AI could lead to the creation of 2.3 million new jobs in India by 2020.

The consequences of this impact can differ from country to country, depending on their level of
technological advancement and workforce preparedness. For example, in China, where AI
investment and adoption have been significant, the impact on employment could be more
pronounced as automation replaces jobs, while in the USA, the impact may be less severe due
to a more diverse economy. Different people across cultures have varying views on the potential
impact of generative AI on employment and the economy. Some people view it as a threat to
their jobs, while others see it as an opportunity for increased productivity and innovation. In
some cultures, such as Japan, there is a more positive attitude towards AI and its potential
benefits, while in others, such as France, there is a more cautious approach to its adoption. In
my opinion, it is important for countries to develop strategies to mitigate the potential negative
impact of generative AI on employment and the economy while also capitalizing on its potential
benefits. This can include investing in retraining and upskilling programs for workers, as well as
promoting collaboration between industry and government to ensure the responsible adoption of
AI.

The sources used to back the above text are credible and reliable, providing statistical data from
reputable organizations such as PwC. These sources are useful in offering insights into the
global and national perspectives on the issue. The information from the sources is reliable as
they come from established organizations with a reputation for providing accurate and unbiased
data. However, it is important to note that sources can be biased based on their methodology,
sample size, and other factors. One particular source used in the text is the report by PwC,
which is a reputable consulting firm. The report provides statistical data on the potential impact
of generative AI on the global economy and includes information on regional differences in
impact. The sample size of the report is not mentioned, which could potentially be a limitation in
terms of its representativeness. However, overall, the report is a valuable source of information
on the topic.

1. Increase transparency in social media algorithms and advertising practices

2. Encourage fact-checking and independent journalism
3. Develop responsible AI strategies and invest in retraining/upskilling programs to mitigate
the negative impact on employment.

Several countries and regions have started implementing strategies to mitigate the potential
negative impact of generative AI on employment and the economy. One such example is
Singapore, which has launched the National AI Office (NAIO) and the AI Apprenticeship
Programme. The NAIO is tasked with developing responsible AI strategies, while the
apprenticeship program aims to reskill and upskill workers to meet the demands of the growing
AI industry. While retraining programs can provide workers with new skills, there is a need for
ongoing education and training to keep up with rapidly advancing technology. It is also important
to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably across society. Responsibility for
adopting these solutions lies with a range of stakeholders, including governments, employers,
and educators. Governments can provide funding and support for retraining programs, while
employers can create opportunities for upskilling within their organizations. Educators can
develop and deliver training programs that meet the needs of workers and the demands of the
AI industry. Funding for these initiatives can come from a range of sources, including
government budgets, corporate social responsibility programs, and public-private partnerships.

In terms of feedback, one suggestion would be to provide more concrete examples of the
potential risks and negative consequences of generative AI, beyond the spread of
disinformation. For example, you mention the potential loss of jobs due to automation and
biases in AI algorithms leading to discrimination, but it would be helpful to provide specific
examples of these issues in practice. Another suggestion would be to provide a more in-depth
analysis of the challenges of regulating generative AI. You mention the challenges of regulating
a rapidly evolving technology, but it would be helpful to provide more specific examples of the
regulatory challenges and potential solutions.

Throughout the course of this report, I understood the conclusive threats and negative
consequences of generative AI, utterly the wide outspread of conjecture on the web. I stated
that the decrease in employment will eventually risk the economy as capital goods will one day
take over labor and will move towards full automation. Another recommendation is to go into
greater detail about the difficulties in controlling generative AI. Although you allude to the
difficulties in regulating a rapidly developing technology, it would be helpful to give more specific
examples of these difficulties and possible solutions.
Citations:-
1. Anderson, M. and Anderson, S. L. (2020). The Ethics of AI Ethics: An Evaluation of Guidelines.
Preprints.
2. Yonck, D. (2019). A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Cultural and Societal Impact
of AI. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 140, pp.88-96.
3. Pew Research Center. (2020). Americans and the News Media: What they Do - and Don't -
Understand About Each Other. Available at: https://www.journalism.org/2020/01/29/americans-
and-the-news-media-what-they-do-and-dont-understand-about-each-other/
4. Centre for Media Studies. (2019). Fake News and Misinformation in the 2019 Indian Elections.
Available at: https://cmsindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CMS-Track-II-Workshop-
Report.pdf
5. World Economic Forum. (2018). The Future of Jobs Report. Available at:
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf
6. PwC. (2017). Sizing the prize: What’s the real value of AI for your business and how can you
capitalise? Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/analytics/assets/pwc-ai-analysis-
sizing-the-prize-report.pdf
7. PwC. (2018). AI Impact Index. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/data-and-
analytics/artificial-intelligence/ai-impact-index.html
8. National AI Office (NAIO) and AI Apprenticeship Programme in Singapore:
- National AI Office (NAIO). (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://www.ai.gov.sg/About-
Us
- Workforce Singapore. (n.d.). AI apprenticeship programme. Retrieved from
https://www.wsg.gov.sg/programmes-and-initiatives/national-ai-office-apprenticeship-
programme.html
9. Retraining and upskilling programs for AI:
- Ng, E. (2019, May 8). Singapore’s AI Apprenticeship Programme to reskill mid-career
workers for new economy jobs. Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved from
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ai-apprenticeship-programme-retrain-
workers-employers-11416716
- Spring Singapore. (n.d.). SkillsFuture for digital workplace. Retrieved from
https://www.spring.gov.sg/Growing-Business/Grant/development-areas/Pages/
SkillsFuture-for-Digital-Workplace.aspx
10. Responsibility for adopting solutions:
- International Labour Organization. (2019). Future of work: Resilience to technological,
demographic and economic trends. Retrieved from
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---ifp_skills/documents/
publication/wcms_711171.pdf
- Soltani, S. (2019, May 6). Who is responsible for upskilling? World Economic Forum.
Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/who-is-responsible-for-
upskilling/
11. Funding for initiatives:
- Lee, H. M. (2018, August 16). Public-private partnerships in Singapore: Some lessons.
The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/public-private-
partnerships-in-singapore-some-lessons
- Ministry of Finance Singapore. (2019). Budget 2019: Strategic investments for the future.
Retrieved from
https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2019/budget-speech/budget-summary/
strategic-investments-for-the-future