Looking to AI for answers to world’s problems

THE world is a complex place, especially at the moment when it seems some of the inmates may have taken over the asylum.

- Martin Hesp on Saturday

Which is scary. When a US president appears to support a nation such as Russia where political opponents die in prison and neighbouring countries fear for their lives, then you have to consider the idea that we're in trouble.

The world’s financial system, its security understandings and age-old alliances all seem to be in jeopardy. Which can leave a humble newspaper columnist holding his head in his hands. What to do? What to write?

Oh, I know, I'll ask the latest Artificial Intelligence app on my computer. I type... “The world seems to be in a lot of trouble, what with the US president shaking up the global finance system and backing bullies like Russia - do you see any positive way forward?”

‘this is how it responded... “It is true, the world faces numerous complex challenges at present. However, amidst these difficulties, there are also sources of hope and potential for positive change. Here’s a breakdown of some key perspectives...”

It proceeds to bang on about global collaboration and the “power of the people” both of which have been taking a thrashing since Trump became US President for the second time. Right-wing populists are very much against cooperation with others and they laugh at the idea of “power for the people”

While outlining the challenges thrown up by geopolitical instability, economic inequality, climate change and (surprisingly) the possible downsides of the latest technology, my robot friends prescribe “a multi-faceted approach that includes international cooperation, technological innovation, and individual action...”