Why we must harness AI for the common good

Unsplash.com

Artificial intelligence is a modern-day language that must be carefully harnessed for the common good as machine learning shapes a new world order.

Technology has created stronger, easier and faster connections between people. It has enhanced knowledge transfer and enabled greater accessibility to almost everything.

In recent years, the rise of social media has turned public opinion into the world’s most powerful socio-political force. AI and algorithms – the bedrock of social media – are at the heart of this movement. 

It is up to us to use AI and machine learning ethically and effectively, especially in a chaotic world where technology can facilitate emergency responses, boost social activism and help humanity stand up for environmental justice. Many scientists today are relying on AI and machine learning to create a carbon-neutral future, since we do not have a “planet B”. 

• Make it happen: How to digitally transform your business

AI is also helping investors and risk managers to analyse environmental, social and governmental data to make better and more responsible investment decisions. 

In some cultures, technology is even being used to support alternative burial methods. Green funerals are replacing cremations — a carbon-heavy process that releases 400 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

Leveraging AI to support healthy ageing 

Technology has enhanced quality of life, particularly for senior citizens. It has enabled quicker ways to communicate and stay in touch with loved ones, which is important for mental health and social bonding. Technology is also allowing us to live longer and more healthily.

The longevity sector, which comprises software that aims to improve health and lengthen people’s lifespan, is expanding rapidly. The UAE’s longevity industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3 percent to reach $23 billion in 2026.

It is up to us to use AI and machine learning ethically and effectively, in a chaotic world where technology can facilitate emergency responses

Brain-reading robots based on machine-learning algorithms are also becoming a reality. Today, a robot arm wired to a brain-computer interface allows patients to use their hands to interact with their surroundings. Also, artificial eyes for those with vision impairment are no longer science fiction. More of these tech solutions can help us live better lives.

Spacetech for Earth

The UAE has been working hard to secure a front-row seat in the global space race. The nation has enhanced its strategic assets and position within the space sector, including space exploration, space technologies and their secondary applications here on Earth.

Spacetech companies are set to play an increasingly important role in contributing to global goals, such as enhancing connectivity and security, and promoting responsible business. 

Building resilience and enabling continuity

For businesses and employees, technologies are essential in keeping operations running and businesses profitable during a major disruption or crisis, whether in remote or hybrid work environments.

• Revealed: top co-working spaces in the Gulf

This has a big impact on the interactions between brands and consumers. As seen at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, technology helped us build resilience and enabled business communities to become more flexible. Many companies successfully pivoted their operations, offerings and processes. Legions of digitally native startups emerged. Working from home became commonplace. Learning from home prevailed. This all serves to highlight the impact of tech on us and between us, as brands and as people.

Technology for gender equality

We see gender bias across a variety of sectors, not least healthtech and femtech, or female technology. The lack of market research and data is a major femtech challenge today, preventing many female founders from securing venture capital.

To bridge the gender fundraising gap, we are using deeptech-powered analytics to provide dashboards with real-time data and mindmaps that femtech founders and investors can use to make more informed decisions.

By offering a tech-enabled knowledge platform, we are addressing common mistakes that femtech founders make while pitching their startups, and present ways in which they can adjust their pitches while still remaining true to their vision. 

By using deeptech and the data it generates, our goal is to ensure women gain access to equal funding opportunities. 

Baha Hamadi is VP communications at Deep Knowledge Group