Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in general have continuously transformed how we live and interact. From making everyday tasks easier to revolutionizing industries, technology has largely been developed to benefit society. Our washing machines are automated, our phones allow us to book holidays, and even banking has become more accessible through online services. Yet, despite these advancements, fear surrounding AI and data collection persists. Understanding AI’s role and limitations can help put these fears to rest and highlight how this technology serves to improve our lives.

Most of us can agree that technology has made life more convenient. Take driving, for instance, which now involves advanced systems to assist with parking, navigation, and even safety. AI-driven recommendations also show up in entertainment, from streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube to music services like Spotify. These services use AI to analyze viewing and listening habits and make suggestions that are likely to enhance our enjoyment. Despite these perks, a lingering concern about AI and data use remains. Many fear that information collected about us is intruding on our privacy. Yet, the purpose of data collection is often misunderstood.

Data is a valuable resource, but that doesn’t make it dangerous. Data-driven technologies gather information to provide better services and improve user experience. For instance, targeted advertising, a common AI application, shows ads based on our interests. As Tom Little, a strategy manager, explained in 2019, ads are inevitable in the online world, so it makes sense for them to be relevant. Instead of intrusive surveillance, this is a form of efficiency that keeps users engaged with things that genuinely interest them.

Certainly, we are monitored more closely now than before, but living in a “1984”-like world where every move is tracked is far from reality. For those concerned about privacy, there are options like ad blockers, which offer a degree of control over online interactions. Technology today gives users more power to choose what they want to see and hear – with options to dismiss suggestions or block ads entirely. While data collection exists, it remains relatively contained to specific industries and applications, often to serve consumer needs more effectively.

In fields beyond personal technology, AI and data collection play a fundamental role. At the 2022 Autodesk conference, for example, the company showcased innovative uses of AI in design and construction. Among the displays was a bridge made entirely from recycled materials equipped with sensors to monitor structural integrity. This type of data collection serves to improve building safety and efficiency, ensuring structures are resilient to stress over time. Autodesk’s CEO, Andrew Anagnost, also emphasized AI’s role in optimizing projects, suggesting that AI may even discourage overly ambitious building projects when risks are high. Rather than working against humanity, AI is being used to make better decisions that save time, resources, and even lives.

Despite this progress, a surprising amount of data remains untapped. Autodesk reports that only a fraction of the data collected in fields like construction and engineering is ever used. This untapped data holds enormous potential to refine AI algorithms, enabling them to handle complex projects with greater accuracy. As it stands, AI is only as good as the data it receives, meaning AI-driven improvements depend on data quality and usage.

One major advantage of AI is its adaptability across industries, from banking to architecture. When given sufficient data, AI can provide solutions tailored to specific sectors, such as assessing risk in financial investments. But because AI’s effectiveness depends on data, the true power lies not in AI itself but in those who control and manage the data. Regulating how data is used can ensure it remains a force for good, without infringing on individual privacy or autonomy.

There are, however, instances where technology use raises ethical concerns. For example, in April 2023, The Guardian reported that AI was being used to identify potential threats in high-conflict zones. This included AI-assisted targeting of individuals thought to have connections with militant groups, often leading to destructive outcomes for entire communities. The use of AI in such situations is a reminder that, like any tool, technology can be used either constructively or destructively depending on who wields it. This points to a deeper issue: it is not AI itself we should be wary of, but the human decisions behind its use.

In the future, AI might even be harnessed for peace-building. If AI were applied to analyze the long-term impacts of military actions, it could reveal the high human and financial costs associated with war, encouraging more diplomatic solutions. AI’s analytical capabilities could one day contribute to a world where the focus is on preventing conflict rather than perpetuating it.

When it comes to the AI-driven ads we see daily, they often reflect our interests, such as travel, food, or hobbies. While some people may find this practice unsettling, it’s simply a more efficient way of reaching audiences. Instead of irrelevant ads, AI tailors content to users’ preferences, creating a less intrusive advertising experience. And for those who prefer no ads, subscription services provide an ad-free alternative, proving that technology gives users control over their online interactions.

AI’s future will be shaped by how we choose to use it. Society stands to gain tremendously by embracing technology’s benefits while remaining vigilant about data governance. The ethical questions that arise will continue to evolve, but technology itself is not the enemy – it’s a tool, designed to serve humanity. Instead of fearing AI, we should focus on shaping its future through responsible use and ethical oversight. This way, technology can continue to make life better, just as it has done in countless ways already.

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