AI's Hidden Costs: What You Need to Know

The Dark Side of AI

AI is everywhere, from weather maps to medical reports, but it's not all sunshine and roses. Fake towns on weather maps and made-up quotes in legal briefs show that AI can spread false information, whether by accident or on purpose. This technology can also create realistic but fake videos, which can be used to spread propaganda or cause trouble.

The Downsides of AI

AI's capabilities are impressive, like driving cars and writing music, but it also has downsides. It can:

• Raise electricity prices
• Take away jobs
• Weaken people's thinking skills

Example: Students who use AI for writing tasks may end up with weaker memory and less creativity.

Legislative Concerns in Colorado

In Colorado, lawmakers are looking at how to handle these issues. They're considering ways to:

• Protect people from higher electricity bills caused by data centers
• Address AI bias to prevent discrimination in jobs, housing, and healthcare

AI and Education

AI also affects education. Studies show that using AI for tasks like writing can:

• Weaken memory
• Impair critical thinking

Impact: Students who rely on AI summaries may miss out on the deeper meaning of complex material, hindering their social and intellectual growth.

The Future of AI

While AI has the potential to advance science and medicine, its costs and impacts can't be ignored. It's important to plan for the future and address these issues head-on.