Artificial Intelligence has evolved from a futuristic concept common in science fiction movies to a reality that influences our daily routine. Technology has radically evolved since Alan Turing's famous test in the 1950s or Deep Blue's victory over Kaspárov in 1997. This evolution has led to the development of transformer neural networks, culminating in the creation of “Large Language Models” or “LLMs,” which are responsible for the technological leap brought about by the well-known Generative AI. Today, AI impacts our lives daily in areas like transportation, education, entertainment, or work.

At Renaiss, we understand that while AI is a revolutionary tool that can make our lives easier, it has also sparked fear and insecurity in relation to its autonomy or to the lack of human control over the technology —such as job displacement, invasion of privacy, or the perpetuation of biases, among others. This places modern society at a crossroads: are we dealing with a technology that will be an ally, or a force that could exacerbate social problems and create risks we don't yet understand?

As a reflection, throughout this article we will explore both sides of AI: its immense potential for good, as well as the threat it poses. Is AI an ally that will empower humanity, or an enemy that threatens our well-being and security? The answer (if any) is not simple, but it is clear that the future will largely depend on how we choose to use and regulate AI. So, let’s dive into this crossroads!

AI: A Powerful Ally

The benefits of AI are countless, and they keep improving. Despite skepticism and the above mentioned concerns, it is well known that AI is a great enhancer of human capabilities.

• Medicine

One of the best examples is how AI is contributing to improving health and medicine. This is one area where AI has proven to be an invaluable “friend.” Thanks to its ability to process large volumes of data, this technology is facilitating significant advances in fields like early diagnosis and personalized medicine, both of which are incredibly promising. What better example is there of a friendly technology than one that can save your life?

Early diagnosis refers to detecting diseases in their initial stages, which greatly increases treatment options and effectiveness. AI has improved accuracy in the early detection of diseases like cancer. A study by Nature shows how an AI algorithm developed by Google outperforms radiologists in identifying breast cancer from mammograms, reducing both false positives and negatives. This early detection —at stages when a disease or complication may not yet be noticeable to the trained eye—can be decisive for patient survival and health.

Personalized medicine is another branch that greatly benefits from AI. Every person's health is influenced by unique variables, both genetic and environmental, which are difficult to consider within the framework of traditional medicine. AI’s ability to analyze genetic and environmental data allows for designing specific therapies tailored to each patient, positively affecting its results. This was demonstrated in the research by Modelo Osa Clinic, where AI is transforming medicine by enabling individualized treatments based on genetic profiles, thereby improving effectiveness and minimizing side effects.

• Education

Education, an essential pillar of our society, is another area where AI is adding value. One key example is the development of platforms that personalize learning based on the specific needs and learning styles of students. A clear case of application is personalized education, where platforms like Duolingo or Coursera use AI algorithms to tailor educational content to each student’s progress.

Similarly, AI is democratizing access to education by providing underserved or resource-poor communities the opportunity to access essential educational services. In areas with limited resources, AI-assisted education platforms like Khan Academy are helping students receive quality education, even in the absence of formal educational infrastructure. According to a Brookings Institution report the benefit is significant, as these platforms adjust the pace and difficulty of content, greatly improving learning outcomes through democratization.

• Everyday Tasks

Last but not least, everyday life is undoubtedly an area that benefits from AI. A prime example are the widely used virtual assistants. Tools like Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa are clear examples of how AI can assist us in our daily tasks  —from managing calendars to making purchases, these virtual assistants make life easier by automating tasks that used to take more time and effort.

AI is also transforming the mobility industry, with autonomous vehicles being a prime example, which will be a turning point in the mobility sector. According to McKinsey, the implementation of AI in vehicles is expected to significantly reduce traffic accidents by eliminating human errors and improving driving efficiency.

AI: Always an Ally?

As AI experts, at Renaiss we work on the basis of the great progress AI represents for society. However, you don’t need to watch Black Mirror to realize that AI isn’t always a harmless tool. The dark side of the AI are the risks and challenges it may bring.

• Job Displacement

One of the most feared social impacts is the displacement of jobs that may come with AI’s implementation in repetitive tasks —such as manufacturing or customer service among others. For this reason, the most vulnerable jobs are those whose tasks can be easily automated, like cashier or call center positions. However, automation is also affecting more qualified jobs, as AI excels at data analysis, accounting, and even medical diagnostics.

This concern is highlighted in studies like the one conducted by the World Economic Forum, which estimates that by 2027, 23% of jobs will change significantly due to the introduction of new technologies. This could result in the creation of 69 million new jobs but also the loss of 83 million, resulting in a net decrease of 2% of the current global labor market.

• Economic Inequality

While AI may contribute to income generation, it could also exacerbate economic inequality. This is due to the fact that positions relating to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics could see a significant rise in salaries due to the high demand for technical specialists. Meanwhile, workers in roles at risk of being replaced by AI could face long periods of unemployment.

A report by McKinsey & Company predicts that by 2030, between 25% and 30% of working hours in countries like the United States could be automated, disproportionately affecting lower-skilled jobs. Workers currently performing these jobs would require costly retraining to adapt to the demands of an increasingly tech-oriented labor market.

• Skills Gap

Another challenge is the skills gap, which refers to the disparity between workers' skills and those truly required by businesses. As AI automates more tasks, the type of skills required for the jobs of the future are shifting. According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 44% of the skills workers possess today will become obsolete in the next five years. This contributes to economic inequality and job displacement while posing a challenge for companies, which must fill roles that require expertise in AI, data analysis, or advanced programming.

• Ethical AI

At Renaiss, we understand that AI also presents a significant ethical dilemma, as this powerful ally also poses a threat to our autonomy. This raises a critical question —is there a sweet spot? Below, we address key aspects of this dilemma:

The question of how much decision-making AI should perform on our behalf is a major part of the discussion. While AI can process data and offer recommendations, this delegation could lead to a complete handover of decision-making processes and even distrust in human judgment as we know it. We are starting to see cases like that of this Reddit user, whose concerns about their partner's use of ChatGPT during couple arguments went viral. Renaiss advocates for AI as a tool that complements —not replaces, human decision-making.

Technical AI design is another fundamental factor that will influence a system’s ethics. Structural flaws, such as intrinsic discrimination in hiring algorithms, underline the need for regulations and ethical standards. As a result, regulations like the European Artificial Intelligence Act are beginning to emerge, ensuring that AI systems are developed and used with full respect for human rights. At Renaiss, there is an absolute commitment to developing legal, ethical, and responsible solutions that put AI at the service of people, not the other way around.

To prevent the distortion of AI’s benefits, the collaboration of businesses and governments is crucial. Companies must plan and adopt proper AI Governance, while legislators must ensure that regulations set limits and standards without stifling innovation. A collaborative approach will help create an environment where AI is a tool that respects individual autonomy and promotes social well-being.

So, is AI a Friend or Foe?

While each may draw their own conclusions, the answer will always be conditional: “it depends.” It depends on the ethics on which AI systems are developed and used, and on researchers, developers, users, and regulators adopting a responsible and humane stance. At Renaiss we don’t know the future, but we do know the industry, and our forecast is as follows:

• It is clear that AI will drive a transformation in the global economy. In fact, by 2030, AI is expected to fuel an unprecedented global economic shift. According to the World Economic Forum, AI could add between 13 and 15 trillion dollars to the global economy, boosting the GDP of the world's leading economies by 26%.

However, this growth will not be evenly distributed. Developed countries—leading AI innovation, are expected to receive up to 70% of these economic benefits, while developing nations could fall behind if they do not adopt policies that foster technological adoption.

• The labor market is almost certain to undergo polarization, with increased demand for highly skilled jobs together with those requiring distinctive human abilities, such as creativity or caregiving. Companies that invest in adapting their workforce to tech-based roles will be more likely to thrive.

This idea is supported by predictions from the World Economic Forum, which estimates that by 2025, automation will eliminate 85 million jobs worldwide, mainly in sectors such as manufacturing, customer service, and administration. However, it is equally important to note that, just as technological evolution makes certain jobs obsolete, it too creates many others. Specifically, the World Economic Forum estimates that there will be 97 million new jobs —focused on areas such as technology, data, and sustainability.

• The ethical dilemma surrounding AI’s impact will remain unresolved. As AI systems become more sophisticated, it will be crucial for regulations protecting human rights to evolve accordingly. Thus, we can expect a greater regulatory approach to AI at a global level.

The European Union is leading the way, having passed the AI Act this year. This law is designed to identify the risk that different types of AI use may pose to the integrity of fundamental human rights, ensuring that companies adopt responsible practices and thereby helping to mitigate any potential ethical conflicts that may arise in the medium or long term.

• Ultimately, AI’s impact on our daily lives will continue to grow. From more sophisticated virtual assistants to applications in robotics or domotics, AI will change the way we interact with technology. At Renaiss, we believe that this widespread adoption of AI in daily life will lead to the creation of smart cities, connected homes, and deeper automation in our daily routines.

It’s a fact: AI is the cornerstone of future technological evolution. Whether AI is glorified or vilified will depend on the decisions we make in its development and use. With the right balance between innovation and social responsibility, AI has the potential to transform tasks, industries, and even our quality of life. The key condition being a strategic, responsible integration, which is in harmony with human needs.

At Renaiss, we are here to support you in a transition that is inevitable. We understand that how this transition is handled truly matters, and we offer AI architecture solutions that are responsible and sustainable. If you're looking to integrate AI into your business, contact us now. Discover how we can help make AI your ally!