Very few science and technology topics are currently causing as much enthusiasm as Artificial Intelligence (AI).  In many cases, this is a good reason, as some of the sharpest minds in the world have said that AI has the potential to revolutionize all aspects of our lives.

On the other hand, as with almost anything new, some common myths and often peddled misconceptions came to light.

Myth 1. In the next 50 years, machines are expected to become smarter than humans

Fact. Even though computers are able to analyze and store enormous amounts of data that are much more than human capabilities, they lack the gut feelings/ intuition (sixth sense) that makes us human.  Our capacity to make a decision not only on probabilities, but also feelings, emotions and risks make us unique.

Whether AI will be able to ”steal” these human qualities, still remains unclear. In any case, without the ability to understand emotions, AI will never have a full skill set that reflects human intelligence.

Myth 2. AI will destroy humanity

Fact. Some people ask questions such as “What happens when machines are self-conscious?” “Once AI begins to think about itself, will it also behave for itself?” These issues have provided a basis for movies like “The Terminator” and have frightened ordinary people ever since the film.

The Artificial Intelligence systems run according to some clearly defined parameters and deal with the issues for which they were created. The systems are less likely to develop an “evil” behavior unless someone makes an error when developing these parameters.

Myth 3. AI will be able to control people

Typically, we believe that only other individuals can influence us as we communicate with them in the real world, but the fact is that all our emotions, feelings, and thoughts are constantly being controlled by machines.

Fact. Most of the advertisements we see online have been built with Artificial Intelligence. Take the example of Amazon. They keep track of every quest you do. Then, they use the information to manage ads for these items that you are visiting on other websites. For this technique, the term is “retargeting.”

So, the conclusion is that AI will not take full control of us, but it may inspire us to behave in some particular ways.

Myth 4. AI is going to replace all jobs

It’s undoubtedly true that the introduction of AI and automation has the potential to actually disrupt labor – and it’s already doing this in some cases. But seeing this as a direct transfer of labor from humans to machines it’s wrong.

Fact. Nonetheless, it is possible that a more prosperous economy, powered by the increased efficiency and waste reduction provided by automation, will provide us with more options to spend our time on profitable, income-generating occupations. Actually, AI is seen as a way to increase human workforce and enable them to work in newer and more intelligent ways.

Myth 5. The malicious use of AI

AI is still a little more than an advanced computer program. Which means hacking can be done. The parameters used to monitor the AI may be modified by trained cybercriminals, allowing it to evolve in unexpected ways.

Fact. Even though to some extent, an AI’s self-awareness may be hazardous, it can also be capable to defend itself from cyber-attacks, making it safer with any cybercriminal attempt. We take a step closer to a future where AI can play a major role in our daily lives with every break-through we create in AI systems.

What’s more important? Before panic about artificially intelligent hacking tools, we need to solve the problems that allow technically incompetent hackers can make a living out of our personal data.

To conclude

Organizations need to carefully develop a detailed and flexible AI plan and begin appropriate implementation programs, in order to get ready for the new age of many AI-powered intelligent things. This will involve a practical and accurate picture of what AI can and can not do now and in the near future.

More important, the integration of AI and other related technologies towards modern companies will bring the more efficient and augmented human and intelligent machines closer, creating a strong workforce in the future. Organizations should understand that humans and machines will continue to be the two pillars of the modern workforce and prepare carefully to harness their mutual abilities and understand their biological and artificial weaknesses.