Artificial Intelligence and Quality of Life: Four Scenarios for Personal Security and Safety in the Future

Abstract

AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) paves the way for many innovations and undoubtedly impacts individuals’ quality of life (QoL). It is also a risk factor, especially when it comes to personal safety and security. In today’s world, however, every person has a role to play in identifying and managing the risks of using AI, not only the AI experts. The first essential step in identifying those risks is to know individuals’ attitudes and motivations regarding the use of AI and the behaviors and practices of AI use (or non-use) they engage in. In 2016 and 2017, we surveyed 1000 bachelor’s and master’s students from various academic departments in Western Switzerland. We aimed to explore their current attitudes and motivations and outline scenarios for possible futures focusing on AI, security, safety, and QoL in Switzerland. This chapter summarizes the survey results and discusses individuals’ behaviors and interactions in the context of the identified scenarios. Based on the scenarios, we attempted to determine how businesses and governments in the present might seize future opportunities offered by AI while also addressing some of the implications of AI for individuals’ QoL. Our research results may serve as starting points to enrich discussion concerning AI and QoL and help individuals, along with businesses and governments, make better decisions in an increasingly connected world.