Recent technical mishaps have raised serious concerns. In India, three young people lost their lives when their car fell off an unfinished bridge. The GPS failed to recognize the hazard leading to a tragic accident. In Michigan, a college student received a chilling message from an AI chatbot, telling him he was a ‘burden on society’ and should ‘die’. In South Korea, a robot reportedly ‘suicided’ due to overwork, highlighting the dangers of machine malfunction.
While technology has revolutionized many aspects of life, these events serve as a wake-up call. The stakes become even higher as we increasingly rely on technology in key areas such as driverless cars, aviation and security. A mistake or misunderstanding can have catastrophic consequences, threatening lives and social stability. We should not blindly trust technology but be vigilant, remembering that it is ultimately a tool created and controlled by humans.
The Great Hawker
Islamabad