FST BLOG
The Rise of AI: Opportunities and risks
- 24 January 2025
- Annabelle, a year 10 student at Invicta Grammar School
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become progressively prevalent transforming the world around us influencing industries, governments and the way we live. From self-driving cars to personalised health care, AI presents unparalleled opportunities for society if utilised correctly - however such potential presents inevitable risks.
AI is revolutionising the healthcare system allowing faster more accurate diagnosis of a range of conditions. For instance, AI powered algorithms are detecting diseases such as cancer, diabetes and eye conditions far earlier than any traditional diagnostic methods. These advancements are not only improving patient outcomes but also paving the way for personalised treatment plans tailored to individuals needs
AI is also being used to support those living with chronic conditions such as dementia through in home monitoring technologies equipped with infrared sensor to track changes in behaviour, detect falls and send alerts to carers or healthcare professionals allowing vulnerable individuals to maintain independence while ensuring safety in their homes.
Past just diagnostics, widespread AI use in hospitals could help alleviate pressure on the NHS, which is currently under immense pressure with over seven million patients on waiting lists and approximately 100,000 staff vacancies through automating administrative tasks and improving hospital workflows. AI could free up healthcare professionals allowing focus on patient care, transforming the future of healthcare delivery in the UK.
Aside from healthcare, AI has use in numerous industries. In manufacturing, AI driven automation is improving efficiency and reducing costs. In the energy sector, AI is helping mitigate climate change by optimising renewable energy systems and reducing waste. In businesses, AI could be used to improve decision-making, from analysing market trends to improving customer experiences with personalised recommendations.
Instead of condemning the use of generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT in schools, students could be taught and encouraged to use them to aid their education; for example, chatbots can be used to generate exam questions based on topics provided that are tailored to specific requirements such as exam board and level. This would save student's time in searching for questions allowing for more effective and maximised revision. In research tasks, chatbots could be used to find information refined to a set task filtering out irrelevant information improving stuents efficiency and clarity.
Also reliant on AI algorithms, self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionise transport and improve road safety by reducing human error which currently accounts for over 90% of all accidents. AI has a seemingly boundless potential to enhance productivity and innovation but does not come without significant challenges.
While AI presents undeniable benefits, its rapid advancement also presents an array of risks that cannot be overlooked. As AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, data sets reflecting societal inequalities can cause AI to unintentionally reinforce and amplify discrimination. This is particularly concerning as in some facial recognition technology - there is a less than 1% error rate in recognising white male faces but when it comes to recognising faces of colour especially that of black women, the technology wields its highest error rate of around 35%. This margin of error is unacceptable and has damaging effects on not only those who are marginalised but also on global confidence in AI systems. Without proper management, the ethical implications of AI could cause significant harm.
AI relies heavily on vast amounts of personal data to function raising questions about privacy and data security. For example, in the healthcare sector, patient data must be protected to ensure trust in AI driven solutions. Additionally, as AI systems become more sophisticated, they may be susceptible to cyberattacks, posing risks to both individuals and organisations. If AI use is implemented on a national level, this would also pose a threat to national security.
AI has the potential to create jobs in roles such as AI development and maintenance however, the transition may leave many workers behind and bridging this gap would require major investments in reskilling and education.
AI is not only transforming individual industries; it is also reshaping global power dynamics. Countries with plentiful resources to invest in AI research and infrastructure are gaining a competitive edge, while others risk being left behind. AI could reinforce the dominance of wealthier nations in high-value sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, advance manufacturing, and defence; exacerbating the economic divide between high-income and low-income countries.
Additionally, within nations, AI adoption could widen socioeconomic inequality. High skilled workers who can adapt to AI driven roles are likely to benefit, while lower skilled workers may face job displacement without support or reskilling opportunities.
There’s also the issue of data colonialism, where large tech companies, headquartered in wealthy nations, may extract data from developing countries for profit. These nations may not have the regulatory frameworks to ensure their citizens benefit from the use of their data, resulting in further global inequalities.
Recognising both the opportunities and risks of AI, the UK government has taken a visionary approach with its newly published AI Opportunities Action Plan. It outlines key measures to ensure that AI innovation aligns with public interests while also taking potential risks into account.
The plan includes funding for a new national supercomputer, designed to support advanced AI research and development. This infrastructure will allow to UK to lead in AI-driven innovation in fields such as healthcare and education. The government is prioritising education and training to prepare the workforce for an economy driven by AI. By integrating AI into school curriculums and offering professional development programmes, the UK aims to equip its citizens with the skills needed to thrive in an AI dominated world.
AI offers extraordinary opportunities to improve lives, revolutionise industries and address global challenges such as climate change; however, with these advancements follow risks that require careful management. AI’s potential to exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities, both within and between nations highlights the importance of fair policies and international collaboration. The UK government's AI Opportunities Action plan provides a framework for leveraging AI’s potential while mitigating its drawbacks. As AI continues to evolve, collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and society will be crucial to ensure it remains a positive force for society.