The AI boom might lead to a crash. That is according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas. However, Gourinchas does not think that it will “crater the U.S. or global economy.”

A lot of the current investment in AI is speculative. According to a recent study from MIT, “95% of organizations are getting zero return” for their investment on generative AI. Dr. Fernanda Psihas, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Physics at Franciscan University of Steubenville told Drew Mariani that those who do find value in AI are able to utilize the AI tools well, and “can anticipate some of the mistakes they’re going to make.”

Robotics

Many worry that AI will usher a robotics revolution that will replace humans in the workplace. According to Forbes, “Businesses are adopting these robots to cut costs, improve safety, and meet rising consumer demands.”

One of those companies embracing robotics is Amazon. Forbes reports that Amazon has added 550,000 robots in the past six years. And some say their embrace of robotics resulted in job losses for employees, “yet Amazon insists robots create jobs,” says Forbes.

Psihas thinks robotics is coming first for the jobs that require less innovation – tasks that are more “mechanistic.” She recommends workers becoming experts in their job, even if that job is a cashier at a local store. “Someone is going to have to still have the job of oversight,” she said.

Concerns

While enthusiasts preach AI’s limitless potential, many Catholics have concerns about morally problematic uses. In mid-October, Open AI CEO Sam Altman said the company would roll out new ChatGPT features that allow users to generate pornographic content.  Psihas said the potential of AI pornography is “absolutely horrifying,” especially because “there’s studies out there that point very clearly to the effect of things like pornography in the human brain, in isolation, in relationships”

Because of the dangers AI poses, Psihas called on Catholics to encourage their lawmakers to regulate AI tools. “The average citizen has the ability to make an impact,” she said.