One of the theoretical advantages of software, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and robots is that they don’t suffer many human foibles. They don’t get sick or tired. They are polite — or rude — to everyone in equal measure. They follow orders.
The reality, of course, is different. Technology is designed by humans in all their frailty. As a result, it is eminently capable of perfect human behavior. Software and algorithms have a hard time distinguishing fact from fiction. They can fall under the influence of people with malign intentions. And they can take good ideas too far.
Some examples: When a BBC reporter asked Google Home if the ex-president of the United States was supporting a coup, the answer was yes. People have been likewise dismayed to find that when they punch in queries about the Holocaust into Google, the top results are often sites that deny the event. A year ago, when Microsoft introduced a chatbot that would interact with humans, it was quickly taught to spout racist language. In 2011, bots on Amazon continually bid up the price of a book by a penny, leading to a US$23.6 million price for a text on fly genetics. The algorithms that power surge pricing at car-hailing apps can send the cost of a ride soaring in emergencies or snowstorms — precisely the times in which it may seem in poor taste to engage in surge pricing.
Continue reading at: Why Artificial Intelligence Needs Some Emotional Intelligence
AI needs EQ, but not all AI. To determine if AI needs EQ is determined how the person interacts with the AI. Does the person personify it? Does the person think that it’s just another tool? Does the person see the AI dangerous because it’s moving heavy equipment.
There are studies that show people being more productive doing tasks with an AI controlled robot arm when the arm made mistakes than with a robotic arm that never made mistakes.