How Is AI Changing the World?

Just a generation ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was more of a topic for science fiction than a real world technology. In 1950, a robotic mouse was navigating mazes. In 1992, a software program was playing backgammon.

Things are much different now. Machines are being trained to drive cars and guide weapons systems. In the span of just a few years, the use of generative AI models like ChatGPT has skyrocketed.

The rapid pace of AI technology presents many opportunities and challenges for both governments and citizens. AI has the potential to boost economies, provide advancements in medicine, and help scientists tackle climate change. But AI can also be used to spy on private citizens and make military decisions, including who to kill in an airstrike. 

What are the consequences of all these uses? Which industry will AI transform next? And perhaps most importantly, how do we regulate such a fast-growing technology?

In this learning journey, you’ll explore AI’s impact on several sectors in order to answer these questions.

The first reading will help introduce artificial intelligence. We recommend reading “Introduction,” “How is artificial intelligence defined?”, and “How did AI develop?”

The second reading explores how governments are currently using AI, both to enforce population control (in the case of Xinjiang) and to support democracy.

The third reading tackles another troubling use of AI: armed conflict. We’ll explore how AI is used by militaries.

The fourth reading looks at AI’s use in the scientific community. We recommend covering “Five ways AI can combat climate change” and the sections following.

Finally, after you’ve learned of AI’s many uses—both for harm and global good—you will get to decide AI’s future. Our fifth section is a simulation, in which you will play the role of a National Security Council (NSC) member to help decide on AI policy.