AI era requires human choices, robust safety nets: Hankyoreh forum

The future of work and learning in the age of artificial intelligence hinges on human decisions, according to experts at the fifth annual Hankyoreh Human and Digital Forum. Held in Seoul, the forum addressed the uncertainties and challenges posed by advancing AI technology, stressing the critical need for individuals and societies to develop the capacity for sound decision-making.

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if the benefits of new technology are not shared across society, public resistance to technological progress will increase, eventually leading to a technological stalemate.

Carl Benedikt Frey, a professor at Oxford University, warned that if the advantages of new technologies are not distributed broadly across society, public opposition to technological progress could escalate, leading to a "technological stalemate." He underscored the importance of establishing robust social safety nets to manage the transition effectively and mitigate potential negative impacts on the workforce.

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when the same technology is being implemented, what changes the attitude of laborers is who decides on the work that needs to be done and the speed at which it should be completed.

Sarah O’Connor, associate editor at the Financial Times, shared insights into the labor issues surrounding AI, noting instances where workers faced increased workloads and isolation. However, she emphasized that the impact of AI on laborers is significantly influenced by who controls the decision-making process regarding work tasks and their pace. O’Connor suggested that while technology can serve as a tool to alleviate human pressures, achieving this requires proactive effort and advocacy.

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AI could be used as a learning tool tailored toward nurturing “future talent” knowledgeable in various sectors and readily available to cooperate.

The forum also explored AI's role in education. Kim Hi-sam, a professor at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, described AI as a potential learning tool capable of nurturing "future talent" with diverse expertise and collaborative skills. Educational critic Lee Bohm predicted that AI could offer a breakthrough solution to the inequities inherent in South Korea's college admission system, which often prioritizes rote memorization.

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AI could become a technological breakthrough that offers a solution to the inequities of the South Korean college admission system, which encourages rote learning.