Op-ed by Shahar Hillel | A Brave New World of A.I.ssistants: Artificial Intelligence as a permanent service for all

New world’s assistants, valets, and butlers are no longer exclusive to the affluent. Artificial intelligence has become an integral and permanent part of our lives, revolutionizing the way we navigate daily tasks and activities. With AI-powered technologies, we can now enjoy the convenience and efficiency of having virtual assistants at our fingertips, ready to assist us with a wide range of needs. From organizing schedules and managing appointments to providing personalized recommendations and handling mundane tasks, AI assistants have the potential to enhance our lives in countless ways.

By Shahar Hillel, former teacher at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Tech Consultant & Founder of the software development team Innovation Hill

As a full-stack software developer, I have personally witnessed the transformative power of AI in my daily work. It’s no longer a joke among programmers, but a reality that empowers us to achieve incredible feats. There used to be a stark contrast between feeling like a cosmonaut, in complete control and mastery, and feeling like a lost dog in front of the computer, unsure of what to do next.

However, with the integration of AI, the time required to find and fix code mistakes has been significantly reduced, by over 50% in my case. This has shifted my perspective from feeling like a lost dog to embracing a sense of godlike control and confidence in my work.

While coders are often perceived as intensely focused on their work, as an entrepreneur and programming instructor, I find myself compelled to explore the future and contemplate how AI will shape our daily lives and experiences.

From servants to digital servers

The rise of AI has made technology more accessible and has democratized personal and professional capabilities that were once exclusive to privileged classes. This widespread access to information and simplified processes has undeniably been a positive aspect of technology, leveling the playing field and opening up opportunities for a broad spectrum of the population.

One notable shift on the horizon is the transformation of personal assistance. The traditional image of domestic workers serving the wealthy elite has evolved into a streamlined digital concept, where we can all access services through our phones. Instead of having traditional domestic helpers catering to specific requests within opulent residences, we now have expansive technical server rooms that process and accommodate our phone-based requests. These digital “servers,” although not physically housed in luxurious estates, reside in modest server rooms, quietly supporting our day-to-day lives from behind the scenes.

While these digital conveniences enhance our lives, it is crucial to remain mindful of potential challenges. While technology accelerates our work, communication, and access to goods, it can also foster a sense of isolation and detachment from those around us. As we embrace these advancements, we must strive to strike a balance between utilizing technology’s benefits and maintaining meaningful connections with our fellow human beings.

What we give in exchange for this comfort of ultimate accessibility

A valuable lesson learned from humanity’s remarkable progress is that the process of transforming goods or services to achieve economic viability inevitably brings about unintended consequences called externalities. An illustrative example is the conversion of fossil fuels into energy, which leads to carbon emissions and underscores the impact of our economic activities on the environment. In the realm of artificial intelligence (A.I.), an often overlooked externality is the detrimental effect on human interactions caused by the relentless trade of our attention.

In this digital era, our attention has emerged as a coveted commodity, diligently monitored, capitalized upon, and transformed into targeted ads. However, the act of turning our attention into a bargaining chip has unintended ramifications that extend far beyond the confines of economics. Social media, as Harari points out, is merely the initial stage—a rudimentary form of A.I. utilized not for content creation, but rather for filtering based on algorithms that prioritize virality and attention-grabbing factors.

If, at this stage, A.I. is still in its learning period, akin to “childhood,” following human behavioral patterns, as Yuval Harari also warned in one of his recent appearances, there is a potential future where advanced artificial intelligence may venture into unexplored territories beyond human reach.

Finding a balance: Embracing technology without losing the human connection. The matrix of illusions.

A matrix of illusions is formed with the automatically received and well-documented responses that anyone with a computer or phone can now receive in real time.

The fear of artificial intelligence has only been present in humanity for the past hundreds of years.

Throughout history, people have used the power of images, stories and myths to manipulate, control crowds. They feared, at the same time, that they would become prisoners of a world of illusions.

If we cannot say, in communication processes, what is A.I. and what is man-made, then, warns Harari, we are facing the end of relevant and valuable communication.

About Shahar Hillel

Shahar Hillel is a former teacher of Android and Java programming at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Tel Aviv and a seasoned full-stack software developer with over 9 years of industry experience. Throughout his career, he has contributed to prestigious projects and collaborated with renowned companies such as i.am+ (founded by Will I Am in Los Angeles), FYI, Sensiya, Altice, and Lost Children of Andromeda (Web3 NFT).

With a strong focus on mobile app development, VOIP applications, AI-based personal assistant solutions, and Web3 (NFT) and Crypto Development, Shahar has honed his skills and expertise in various cutting-edge technologies. Currently, he is leading a dedicated team in the development of a mobile social media application powered by artificial intelligence, set to be launched this summer in Los Angeles.

Driven by his passion for innovation and his commitment to leveraging technology for transformative purposes, Shahar and his team at Innovation Hill are poised to deliver top-notch software solutions. Their reliable services extend not only to clients in Romania but also to companies in Israel and the United States, establishing them as a trusted partner in the pursuit of technological excellence.

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