The Earth is rapidly coming under the grasp of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Almost everyone is using it today — from tourists planning itineraries to farmers collecting crop data. AI had its early foundations in the 1950s with John McCarthy, often called the father of AI. Over the decades, its use has expanded enormously. But with its rise comes a pressing question: Is AI a threat, or is it a helpful tool?
I strongly believe that, at present, AI is more helpful than harmful. As Jeff Bezos rightly said, “AI is in a golden age and solving problems that were once in the realm of sci-fi.”
Wide Variety of Uses
AI is applied in countless fields — fraud detection, medical diagnosis, crop data analysis, personalized learning, and improving product quality, to name a few. These uses make life easier, and many aspects of daily living would be far more difficult without AI’s assistance.
Educational Benefits
AI gives students access to learning materials around the clock. With its research tools, learners can go beyond textbooks and explore new areas at their own pace.
Safety and Security
AI also strengthens safety. From predictive policing to real-time threat detection, it provides powerful tools for crime prevention. The use of biometrics helps protect personal data. A recent Deloitte study even found that smart technology could reduce crime by 30–40% and cut emergency response times by 20–35%.
But as with any great advancement, AI comes with challenges.
Rise of Unemployment
As AI automates more jobs, people risk losing employment, leading to economic disruption. Industries must prepare to reskill and adapt.
Decline in Human Skills and Creativity
AI is now capable of generating well-written articles and essays. While this helps those struggling with writing, it also risks making students overly dependent, reducing their practice and creativity. The future may see less emphasis on originality and human imagination.
Cyber Risks
AI systems are not immune to breaches. Security failures, cyberattacks, and misuse for malicious purposes — such as autonomous weapons or disinformation — could have devastating consequences.
Conclusion
For now, the positive aspects of AI outweigh the negative ones. It is safe to say that AI is not currently a threat to humanity. However, the future depends on how responsibly we use and regulate it. AI has the potential to remain an incredible tool — but it could also become dangerous if left unchecked.
Authored By: Nivedh Govil, 12 years old