Living in the Age of AI

 AI has not only advanced quickly but is also becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. From digital assistants like Siri and Alexa to more sophisticated national security, healthcare, and finance use, AI is shaping our world. However, as PBS's Frontline documentary "In the Age of AI" demonstrates, the development of AI brings with it several challenges that impact both people and society as a whole.

The potential for privacy invasion is one of the most urgent worries. Because AI systems can follow every click, purchase, and conversation—fueled by the massive amounts of personal data they gather—our digital lives become highly accessible to governments and companies. In addition to myself, my friends and family are also impacted by this invasion of privacy since they might not be aware of how much these programs access our private data. Imagine living in a society where every online and offline action is tracked and evaluated. For many of us, this is already the case.

The government should take an active role in developing laws that restrict the amount of personal data that organizations and businesses can collect and use. Although artificial intelligence technology is a great innovation tool, it must be closely watched to ensure it doesn't compromise fundamental rights. More robust data protection regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe, could act as a template for the United States in terms of shielding its population from unnecessary data collecting. Companies utilizing AI systems should also be subject to transparency regulations so that users are aware of the use of their data.

Each of us can take action to protect our privacy. Some risks can be reduced by using secure services, exercising caution when disclosing personal information online, and keeping up with the rules of our platforms. It's critical to comprehend AI's effects and demand stronger privacy protections. In this quickly developing digital world, we can make sure that we maintain control over our personal information by being watchful and advocating for appropriate AI use.