According to a research paper by Springer, the ethical issues of AI are not being covered enough by the media. The paper discusses the ethical issues that arise from the development, deployment, and use of AI. It starts with a review of the ethical benefits of AI and then presents the findings of the SHERPA project, which used case studies and a Delphi study to identify what people perceived to be ethical issues. These are discussed using the categorization of AI technologies introduced earlier. Detailed accounts are given of ethical issues arising from machine learning, artificial general intelligence, and broader socio-technical systems that incorporate AI.
Similarly, according to a recent article by MIT News, quantum computing has been a topic of research for many years, but it is still not getting the attention it deserves from the mainstream media. The article discusses how quantum computing could revolutionize the world of computing and how it could be used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. It also highlights some of the challenges that researchers face in developing quantum computers and how they are working to overcome them.
Certainly. Media coverage plays a significant role in shaping public perception and awareness of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. When media coverage is lacking, it can lead to several negative impacts on the advancement of these technologies:
Reduced Public Interest and Awareness: Without sufficient media attention, the general public may remain unaware of the potential benefits and applications of AI and quantum technology. This lack of awareness can result in reduced interest and support for these fields.
Limited Investment: Media coverage often influences where investors put their money. If AI and quantum tech are not highlighted in the media, investors may be less informed about the opportunities in these areas, leading to less investment and slower growth.
Slower Talent Acquisition: The development of AI and quantum technology relies heavily on attracting talented individuals. Without media spotlight, fewer people may be inspired to pursue careers in these fields, leading to a talent shortage.
Policy and Regulation Delays: Media coverage can also affect policy-making. If these technologies are not part of the public discourse, policymakers may be slower to create regulations that support their development and responsible use.
Competitive Disadvantage: Countries or companies that do not receive media attention for their advancements in AI and quantum tech may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage compared to those that are more prominently featured.
It’s important to note that while media coverage can accelerate the advancement of technology by informing and exciting the public, it should also be accurate and responsible to avoid hype and misinformation. For example, Deloitte Insights suggests that quantum computing is receiving more media coverage than its current practical applications warrant, which could lead to unrealistic expectations1. Similarly, McKinsey’s report on the state of AI in 2023 indicates that generative AI tools have seen explosive growth and are capturing significant interest, which could be attributed to media coverage as well.
In summary, balanced and informative media coverage is crucial for the healthy advancement of AI and quantum technology, as it can drive public interest, investment, talent acquisition, and informed policymaking. Without it, these technologies may not reach their full potential as quickly as they otherwise might.
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