The AI revolution is upon us, but is it delivering on its promise—or creating a new set of problems we could never have anticipated? Dive into the conversation between OQLIS CTO Andrew Bosma and Human-centered AI advocate on the groundbreaking possibilities and hidden pitfalls of AI and automation.
From the rise of “text-to-action” interfaces that could redefine business operations, to the alarming power of deepfake technology in the hands of cybercriminals; here are some of the key podcast episode takeaways:
The Simplicity and Speed Promise
Imagine telling a system, “Generate a report of my top customers and apply a 10% discount to their next purchase.” Artificial intelligence is moving closer to making such commands a reality. The evolution of prompt-to-action interfaces—where natural language commands lead directly to actionable results—could potentially eliminate technical bottlenecks and revolutionise productivity.
Yet, while the concept of “talking to your tech” seems futuristic, many implementations fall flat. Chatbots come across as less intelligent, failing to understand the context or provide meaningful solutions. In its infancy to the market, the gap between LLM’s (Large Learning Model) potential and execution is often larger than expected.
To the Dark Side
While AI can simplify tasks, it’s also becoming a tool for malicious criminals. Deepfake technology, for instance, has progressed from creating amusing celebrity impersonations to orchestrating devastating scams. Wrongdoers are using AI to generate convincing fake voices and videos, leaving victims unable to distinguish fact from fiction.
In one chilling example, parents have fallen victim to ransom schemes, where deepfake technology imitates the voices of their children. The implications go beyond financial loss—such events erode trust and heighten fear in a digitally connected world.
Centralisation
Interestingly, AI appears to be reversing the decentralised ideals that once defined the Internet Age. Large tech companies dominate the field, leveraging vast datasets to train their models. This concentration of power is at odds with the principles of distributed networks and has sparked debates around ownership, ethics, and accessibility.
Moreover, the rise of AI widens the digital divide. While some organisations ride the wave of automation, others—especially smaller businesses or developing nations—are left behind. Those without access to AI risk falling irreparably behind, creating a growing gap between the digital “haves” and “have-nots.”
A Road Less Travelled
Despite its challenges, Bosma and Steyn agree: that AI is part of our lives for good.
It’s reshaping industries, from healthcare to entertainment, but its integration needs thoughtful consideration. Educators, policymakers, and technologists must work together to ensure AI serves humanity holistically.
Will AI bring about a utopia of innovation and convenience, or will it deepen societal inequalities and security risks? The answer lies in how we manage its growth.
Curious to learn more about the future of AI? Explore this ongoing conversation and how you can adapt to a world where AI is here to stay!