The Era of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence: How We Got Here, Where We’re Going, and the Negative Side Effects on Systems That Matter

The sudden turn to artificial intelligence has been widely supported because of the several proposed positive outcomes of using such technologies to support or replace humans. Automating tedious processes and removing potential human error is exciting for society, but some concerns must be addressed. This essay aims to understand how artificial intelligence can automate domains that likely significantly impact underprivileged and underrepresented groups. This essay will address the potentially devastating effects of algorithmic biases and AI’s contribution to perpetual economic inequality by surveying different domains, such as the justice system and the real estate industry. Without society broadly understanding the potential negative side effects on systems that matter, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is a recipe for disaster. Everyone must become educated about AI’s current and potential implications before it is too late to stop its damaging effects.