Will AI improve and excelerate sustainabillity so that it will be acomplished in 2030?
Part of
Keywords
Socratic Design Dialogue with entrepeneurs and inhabitants of Zuid-Oost
We need to define poverty and sustainability specific to this area of the city (Amsterdam South East).
Questions:
- Are we scared of AI?
- Will AI take over the world?
- Is it possible to integrate AI into a whole work sector?
- Why do we need AI now?
- What are the challenges of new AI?
- Should we keep using AI if it is only used for improving efficiency?
- Are we trapped in a digital world?
- Can AI make our society more equitable?
- Argument for the question: It includes sustainability.
- How can AI help me to become a better person?
- Argument for the question: It appeals to me that we as humans have everything to become better as human beings, but we use tech constantly. Maybe tech can help us to improve our morals?
- Argument for the question: In the line of work that I do, it is important to gain information and gain it fast, can AI help me do that?
- Argument for the question: What it means to be a good person is specific to all persons, how can AI help us?
- Can AI replace religion?
- Will AI improve and accelerate sustainability so that it will be accomplished in 2030?
- Argument for the question: We have been struggling with this theme, it would help the world.
- Argument for the question: Sustainability is important for us, also for communities with fewer resources.
- Argument for the question: Why are the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer?
- Argument for the question: AI in itself can be neutral, what does it mean to use AI.
- How can AI create a new reality?
- Is the fear of AI justified?
- Mustn't we investigate the moral aspects of AI?
- Are we going to be a better community because of AI?
- What is AI good for?
Methods:
- Sub questions
- Definitions
- Assumptions
Assumptions
- It can help accelerate in certain areas.
- AI is the most important factor for sustainability, maybe it is not.
- AI will redefine how we think about sustainability and solving the whole concept.
- If this system of AI failed us, then we are not able to reach sustainability.
- Everybody thinks that sustainability is the most important thing. Not being sustainable can be a source for wealth accumulation. If you have the power not to be sustainable, you have the option not to use AI to be sustainable.
- Reflection on assumption: Not everybody thinks that sustainability is the most important thing. Not everyone prioritizes sustainable goals.
I believe there are many people who are not interested in sustainability goals. Many individuals are not aware of what is happening in the world. Once we become aware of global issues, there may be a moment when we become interested in sustainability.
Sustainability is necessary! However, there is also poverty, and sustainability is often expensive. Living in poverty influences the choices people make. It's crucial to first achieve a decent standard of living and escape poverty before making more expensive sustainable choices. Why would someone buy a more expensive sustainable water bottle when there is a cheaper option available?
We feed AI with data from around the world, which affects the way we perceive sustainability and poverty. Sustainability in Suriname will differ from sustainability in Antarctica. In some parts of the world, poverty means earning below-average wages, but in others, having food and shelter may define wealth (enjoying life means you're rich). The focus and self-perception vary. For instance, the American way of eating differs from other parts of the world.
Global data is crucial for AI. Currently, we mainly collect data from regions with the most internet usage. However, we need to gather intelligence from all corners of the world. To effectively utilize this data, we must interpret it correctly. Understanding data from diverse regions is essential. Achieving this level of understanding by 2030 seems unlikely; it will take time.
- We need to define poverty and sustainability specific to this area of the city (Amsterdam South East).
In comparison to other parts of Amsterdam, some areas are wealthier. What constitutes poverty here?
There are various perspectives to consider. We could rely on government data: in South East, we have the highest unemployment rate in Amsterdam. However, this data doesn't provide a true picture. There are individuals here working multiple jobs, yet struggling to provide for their families; this reality isn't reflected in the statistics.
As a society and government, we haven't established a clear definition of poverty. What does poverty mean? While there are many job opportunities in South East, the qualification barrier prevents many residents from accessing them. People from this area feel neglected; they're part of Dutch society but feel they don't meet expectations or standards.
In Zuidoost, poverty isn't solely defined by financial means; it also encompasses mental limitations. Some individuals feel trapped by their mindset.
Contentment plays a role. Some people work and pursue education but remain dissatisfied, always wanting more. Being satisfied with what one has is a factor.
I believe we should abolish the entire food bank system and distribute food through supermarkets like for normal purchases. Provide for those who truly need it; why force them to register? When you see someone hungry, you know it. We need to face reality and gather different data.
The demand for sustainability competes with poverty. Definitions of poverty and sustainability vary globally, making it challenging to integrate them into a unified action plan.
Society expects us to accept our economic status relative to our neighbors. Is acceptance necessary? Many of us are immigrants, and immigrants often strive to escape poverty. When striving to break free from poverty's grip, individuals may resort to unacceptable means, disrupting societal norms, even surpassing their parents' wealth.
I don't believe the desire to become wealthy should conflict with the legal system.
Many residents have lived here for 20/30 years but are still excluded from the system. Some fled war to come here and were provided comfortable housing. Why must others endure poverty?
Can AI improve our lives?
AI can indeed improve our lives, but it is crucial that everyone has knowledge about AI. Accessibility is key. We need to bring knowledge and possibilities to everyone. We require a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of AI. Additionally, we should investigate vulnerabilities in AI.
AI should also learn from people. It needs more perspectives. The data used to train AI is primarily based on limited internet data from specific parts of the world, leading to a narrow perspective. While AI can enhance our systems, it won't create equality. Solving sustainability issues requires more than just AI.
What is the impression of the Bijlmer? Many believe it's a place filled with violence and crime. We need to change this narrative by controlling our data. AI can help generate a positive image of the Bijlmer, which can be monetized. Presenting ourselves accurately to the Netherlands will lead to acceptance. Providing the right information to AI ensures it presents the world with the correct narrative.
AI is not yet ready to make the world more sustainable. We don't all speak the same language. Poverty must be addressed before we can move towards sustainability with AI. What is the narrative?
I'm skilled in social media and consume a lot of video content. I watched a video portraying Southeast as a dangerous place where one must always be cautious. There's a perception that those living here are seen as the primary criminals by outsiders, which AI may also adopt.
Marriage breakdown is also significant in poverty; it reflects moral poverty.
While we often discuss poverty in Southeast, there's a small group in poverty and a larger group doing well. While it's essential to address poverty issues, changing the narrative requires attention to both groups.
Can we use AI to become a better version of ourselves? Let's utilize AI to improve ourselves!
Recommendations from the participants
- We should see AI revolution not separate from sustainable society building!
- Be aware of the moral aspect!
- No fear of fear itself!
- Make it accessible!
- Development; you can't send puppies to play with hyenas. AI is moving fast, to be in the lead. If we speak with people on AI, experts must be present!
- Take the elderly with you!
- Moving forward with AI in a way of solidarity, without excluding others!
- Don’t talk about AI, talk about machines that are here to help us!
- Apply more wisdom!
- AI is based on our abstract thinking; our thinking process needs to be changed so that what we make is what we want!
- AI provides solutions but also disadvantages; let's try to balance it to make the world better.
- The machine is the mirror for not only my intelligence but also for my values and fears.
- AI should be transparent; we should be honest about it, people fear it.
Image credits ©
- Hanna Barakat & Cambridge Diversity Fund / Better Images of AI / Colossal Harvest / CC-BY 4.0