Humans vs. Algorithms: Who will shape the future?

In every age of human history technology has reshaped the way people live, work, and understand themselves.

- BY MILINDA MAYADUNNA

The printing press democratised knowledge, the steam engine transformed economies, and the internet rewired global communication. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as the defining force of our century. It is no longer confined to laboratories or futuristic fantasies; AI writes essays, diagnoses diseases, composes music, drives vehicles, and even imitates human conversation.

This rapid evolution compels us to ask a question that cuts to the heart of existence: what will happen to natural human beings when AI becomes deeply woven into every sphere of life? Will it empower us or overshadow us? Will it enhance humanity or erode the essence of being human?

Al's greatest promise lies in its ability to extend human potential. In medicine, for example, researchers at Stanford University have shown that AI models can detect skin cancer with accuracy comparable to experienced dermatologists. In education, UNESCO reports that AI tutors can provide personalised learning for disadvantaged children, potentially reducing educational inequality.

From this perspective, AI is not the enemy of humanity but an amplifier of human ingenuity. As the Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom observed, “Machine intelligence is the last invention humanity will ever need to make, because it will then help us make everything else.” This suggests that AI, if guided wisely, could spark a renaissance of creativity, science, and culture.

Yet, there is another side to this coin. If Al can outperform humans in cognitive tasks writing legal briefs, translating languages, designing software, even generating scientific hypotheses what role remains for natural human beings in the economy?

Some scholars argue that AI will create a “great decoupling,” where productivity soars but human wages stagnate. Already, studies from PwC predict that up to 30% of jobs in advanced economies could be automated by the mid-2030s.