The digital age has brought Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the spotlight, turning it into one of the most influential technologies in the daily lives of businesses, governments and people.How much do we really understand its potential and the risks involved?A recent global survey conducted by The Cynefin Company reveals societal perceptions of the greatest benefits and concerns regarding the use of AI.
The report “Perspectives on AI – Sensemaker Open Collection”, the result of a global study conducted between September 2023 and February 2024, points out the five most promising points, as well as the five major fears about the application of AI.
Among the greatest potentials identified in the study, the power of AI to:
- Allowing for in-depth investigations, which surpass the capabilities of traditional search engines;
- Fostering transdisciplinary skills in humans, encouraging holistic development in response to global challenges;
- Identify patterns, helping to reveal valuable insights within large volumes of data;
- Eliminate human biases, using algorithms for more unbiased and data-driven decisions;
- Support decision making, making people's lives healthier, more productive and less stressful.
On the other hand, the fears that surround the AI are also significant. Among them, stand out, mainly:
- Abuse in the use of the technology, where the human factor could be the weakest or most dangerous link;
- The decline of creative industries, automation replacing human innovation;
- Manipulative advertising, which can influence decisions in an extreme way;
- Hidden biased decisions, where the biases incorporated in the algorithms can cause great losses;
- Risks to democracy and social stability, with the misuse of AI for political and manipulation purposes.
In addition to these points, the research revealed other important considerations. AI was seen as an ally in effective collaboration, promoting creativity and distilling large volumes of data. On the other hand, the misuse of technology, the inability to distinguish human from automated work and the risk of digital exclusion are issues that arouse concern.
According to Alexandre Magno, CEO of The Cynefin Co Brazil, the study reveals that many leaders still underestimate the true potential of AI. “Leaders overestimate the ability to do better or faster what we already know how to do, using AI with a focus only on productivity. They underestimate its transformative power, which can allow us to accomplish things we never imagined doing before”, Magno comments.
The company has now initiated the same study with a specific focus solely on Brazilians. Those wishing to participate can access the SenseMaker and complete the form. The collected data will be compiled and presented every six months, thus creating a rich base of developmental and comparative levels.
With this research, The Cynefin Co seeks to foster a deeper dialogue on the application of AI in different sectors, from the transformational impact on technology to its role in managing complexity in organizations and governments.
“The discussion about the balance between the benefits and risks of AI is increasingly necessary as society navigates an era of unprecedented innovation.Most available research listens mainly to experts in the subject while ours opens space for us to learn about how society is perceiving the advancement of technology, which is essential”, concludes Alexandre Magno.
