Is AI an enemy or a friend?

Article By: Prakash Chandra Yadav Bsc.Computing

AI Compared to Human Beings When we try to identify the type of opinion that is floating around since AI has become popular, we can categorize them into two distinct patterns of thought. One group of people holds a completely different opinion about AI than the other. Some believe AI is an enemy, while others see it as a helpful tool. So, which is true? Should we take one of these opinions as our conclusion? Probably not. Because we are not there yet—AI has just begun its journey, and we don’t know where it will lead.

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and DeepSeek have the ability to communicate with humans and assist them in various tasks—some of which were once unimaginable for computers. One can enter a prompt, and AI will respond to the query within seconds, often with great accuracy. AI helps people across different domains, from editing and coding to sending emails and eliminating repetitive tasks. For instance, customer service queries, which previously required human intervention, can now be handled efficiently by AI-powered chatbots. Some AI models can generate realistic images and videos that are difficult to distinguish from reality. Others, like GitHub Copilot, specialize in coding assistance. AI has become an integral part of automation.

However, artificial intelligence will not surpass human intelligence in terms of our gifted biological brain, which is the result of millions of years of evolution. While AI may replace repetitive tasks and lighten our burden of refining work, allowing us to focus more on core innovation, it still lacks certain human abilities. AI learns from patterns, but humans have unique advantages over it. Humans excel at thinking outside the box, generating new ideas, and engaging in creative problem-solving. The human brain integrates diverse experiences and abstract concepts to come up with novel solutions, often in ways AI cannot predict.

Additionally, humans possess emotional intelligence (EI), allowing them to understand, interpret, and respond to emotions in nuanced ways. EI enables people to empathize, build relationships, and communicate effectively, especially in social contexts. It also plays a significant role in decision-making by considering emotional aspects. Common sense and ethical reasoning are other crucial advantages humans hold over AI, which cannot be overlooked.

Based on my experience with AI, it is unlikely to replace skilled professionals but may replace those relying on repetitive tasks. Jobs like data entry, typing, and customer service are more likely to be automated. On the other hand, professionals in fields such as programming, content creation, and multimedia can use AI as a tool to eliminate repetitive tasks and enhance creativity. When the calculator was invented, it made calculations easier, but it did not replace mathematicians.

Could AI replace high-skill jobs like programming, multimedia, or database administration? Maybe or maybe not—we are not yet in a position to answer this question. We are still in the early phase of AI development. The CEO of Nvidia, one of the world’s largest GPU and chip manufacturers, has stated that they are exploring the possibility of replacing programming languages with natural human languages like English. Given his credibility in the field, this is an idea worth considering. However, programming is fundamentally about logic, and representing logical constructs in natural language can be far more complex. Even AI struggles with certain prompts. While we cannot dismiss such claims from an expert, we also recognize the potential challenges involved. Even if AI eventually enables programming in natural language, it may put traditional programming jobs at risk but will also open doors for entirely new opportunities.

Ethical Concerns

As AI becomes more advanced, it also raises ethical concerns. AI-generated content has become so realistic that distinguishing between deepfakes and real content is increasingly difficult. This can be exploited in harmful ways, from defaming individuals to spreading political propaganda. Another major concern is academic plagiarism. Many students now use AI to complete assignments and solve problems, reducing their creativity and increasing dependency on AI. The ethical debate remains: Is AI harming or benefiting society? The answer depends on how we use it. If AI is used responsibly, it can do more good than harm.

Conclusion

AI is a powerful tool that is revolutionizing various industries by enhancing efficiency and automation. However, it is not a replacement for human intelligence. While AI can process vast amounts of data quickly, it lacks creativity, emotional intelligence, common sense, and ethical reasoning—traits that define human cognition. Instead of viewing AI as a competitor, we should embrace it as a complementary tool that assists us in innovation, problem-solving, and productivity. The future of AI is uncertain, but one thing is clear: humans will continue to play a crucial role in shaping its development and ensuring it serves humanity for the greater good.