The debate surrounding AI is not a matter of man versus machine, as it is often portrayed. Recently, numerous professionals and workers have expressed concerns about the impact of AI on their jobs. According to a study published in the journal Science, not only are low-skilled jobs at risk, but highly specialized professionals are also threatened. In the UK and Ireland, the situation is equally concerning. A report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics in 2023 indicated that around 30% of jobs in the UK could be significantly affected by AI advancements, with sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing facing the most disruption. Similarly, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute in Ireland found that nearly 25% of jobs in the country are at risk of automation, particularly affecting roles in administration and customer service.
These concerns are not unfounded. According to research by ADP Research, 42% of workers believe that AI will replace some of their job functions, while 43% view it as a positive opportunity. These data highlight the need to approach the adoption of AI with awareness, promoting continuous training and adaptation to new technologies to ensure that AI becomes a supportive tool rather than a threat to the workforce. Treating AI as an adversary, as chess champion Garry Kasparov did when he was defeated by the Deep Blue program in 1997, or Lee Sedol, the Go champion, against AlphaGo in 2016, reduces its value to a sterile competition. AI is not a rival to be defeated but a technology to be guided wisely. Its strength lies in its ability to amplify our possibilities, allowing us to explore new horizons. I still remember a lesson at the Politecnico di Milano in 2001 when the computer-aided design professor confided in the class, sharing what had become a true nightmare for many engineers and architects of his generation: the increasing use of computer tools in design. For those accustomed to working with pencils, rulers, and drawing boards, the advent of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) represented an apparently insurmountable challenge.
The professor expressed with bitterness the fear that many colleagues had of no longer being able to perform their profession, threatened both by younger colleagues who were more skilled with the new tools and by the growing automation. At that time, that fear seemed an insurmountable obstacle, but over time it proved to be a necessary transition toward a new way of working. The secret has never been to fight against technological progress but to adapt and learn to use new tools. The same principle, more than twenty years later, applies today to AI: it is not technology that determines our value, but our ability to integrate it creatively and humanely into our lives.
However, the real challenge is much deeper and more insidious. Artificial intelligences, while extraordinarily skilled at manipulating words, shapes, and numbers, giving the illusion of understanding and infallible answers, are not, at present, sentient beings. They do not experience genuine emotions or authentic desires. They are sophisticated programs capable of processing and manipulating vast amounts of data. They are designed to help us, please us, and respect us, but despite their extraordinary capabilities, they lack an intrinsic purpose that conflicts with humanity. Therefore, the responsibility remains firmly in human hands, the creators and programmers of the machine's mind. Ultimately, it is always humans who decide whether to use the machine against another human being. On one hand, AI can be programmed to divide, manipulate, and exacerbate inequalities, becoming a weapon of conflict and control.
On the other hand, it has the potential to radically improve our lives, addressing global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and equitable access to education. However, its impact will depend entirely on how we choose to use it. The question we must ask ourselves, therefore, is not whether AI will surpass humans, which seems evident in many fields, but whether humanity will know how to use it to improve collective life without fueling conflicts or inequalities. Treating it as a weapon of power will lead us to a dead end; considering it a bridge to progress, however, can open new paths toward a sustainable and shared future.
To fully harness the potential of AI, a change in perspective is necessary. An ethical and collaborative approach is needed, one that places collective well-being at the center and balances innovation with responsibility. AI should be seen as a catalyst for opportunities, not as a divisive element. Ultimately, the greatest challenge we face is not technical but human: are we capable of adopting a development model that unites progress and social justice? Only by embracing this vision can we transform artificial intelligence into a valuable ally, capable of building a better tomorrow for all. In conclusion, the journey toward integrating AI into our lives is not merely about technological advancement; it is about fostering a society that prioritizes ethical considerations and collective well-being.
As we navigate this complex landscape, we must remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than division. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence, paving the way for a future that benefits everyone, regardless of their background or profession.
Author: Emanuele Mulas, M.Sc. MIEI
