the dark side of ai

Most people use some form of AI in their lives. Some examples include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Deepseek. Almost everyone has used AI in their lives. AI is used in facial recognition software, GPS, and recommending stuff based on a user’s preference. They rely on past data to make predictions and identify patterns. However, all of this comes at a cost. There are many downsides to AI; it intensifies past bias and it consumes a lot of energy.

Since AI uses past data, there is some discrimination and bias because in the past, there has been discrimination and bias against certain groups of people. For example, in the past, certain groups were targeted more such as blacks. As a result, the data that the AI uses is biased. Studies show that facial recognition is the least reliable for people of color, women, and nonbinary individuals. Since the police use facial recognition software, they could potentially arrest innocent people.

According to the Washington Post, at least 8 people have been wrongly arrested in the United States because of facial recognition technology. Additionally, the police could have eliminated most of the suspects through basic police work such as checking alibis. Also, there could be more than 8 people who have been arrested because of AI. In most states, the police and prosecutors are not required to tell the public what technology they used.

Another downside of AI is that it consumes a lot of energy. A lot of people use them and they consume large amounts of energy. There are many data centers that are created. In these data centers, there are rows of computer servers that will train the AI that is used in chatbots like ChatGPT. Each of these centers will consume the same amount of power as a thousand residential homes. Some estimates say that the data centers consume 1.5% of the global electricity consumption. Some of the data centers require over 100 megawatts. This also contributes to global warming. Due to the large amount of energy needed, a lot more fossil fuels have to be used which releases more greenhouse gases.

AI is also used in GPS systems. They help you find the fastest route to your destination. However, the fastest route may not be the best or safest route. For example, the road might be too narrow or might be closed. The AI does not know which roads are no longer in use or which are dangerous so it will tell drivers to go that route if it is the fastest route. One example was when Alicia Sanchez and her son were driving through Death Valley. Their GPS led them to an unpaved, remote road. Temperatures in the Death Valley National Park can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They originally planned for an overnight camping trip but their car got stuck and they were trapped there for 5 days. Her son died but their pet survived.

Another example is when Japanese tourists were using GPS to travel to North Stradbroke Island. The GPS directed them into the ocean because it did not account for the ocean. The tourists survived but the car was heavily damaged. These incidents are known as “Death by GPS” and they occur when people rely too much on their GPS and they do not look at their surroundings.