AI's Impact: Uses, Benefits, and Challenges

Published Date : 6/10/2025 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly integrated into our daily lives, from smart speakers to healthcare. This article explores the uses, benefits, and concerns surrounding AI technology. 

Talking robots and self-driving cars used to only appear in Hollywood blockbusters. But the pace of development in artificial intelligence (AI) means such futuristic notions are no longer merely science fiction.

With its rapid rise, it's no wonder that series 4 of The Morning Show tackles the topic of AI, with new CEO Stella (played by Greta Lee) and president of the board Celine (Marion Cottilard) introducing a deepfaked team of news anchors that can speak any language. When this AI-generated tech seems to cause a major problem for Alex (Jennifer Aniston), it makes the team question whether we can trust what we 'see'.

It's a gripping premise for a drama, and has certainly captured our imaginations, but what actually is AI and should we be adopting or avoiding this technology in real life?

Artificial intelligence is the catch-all name given to computer programmes that can learn, reason, and act like humans, performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, answering questions, interpreting data, and creating visuals. AI is already integrated seamlessly into our daily lives, perhaps more than you even realise: more than half of UK homes own a smart speaker, customer service chatbots and personalised product recommendations are widely used by online retailers, and Google serves AI-generated answers to commonly searched questions and Gemini-powered summaries at the top of your emails.

Then there are generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, which create new content in text, music, images, or video based on user prompts. Over 18 million people, or 36% of the population aged 16 to 75 in the UK, have used these. Of the seven million using it for work, 74% report an increase in productivity.

But it’s this ability of AI to mimic humans that makes many concerned. What if AI makes our jobs redundant? Will robots take control of systems they shouldn’t? Can we trust AI to make decisions that materially impact our lives?

AI consultant Dr Catherine Breslin, who has over two decades of experience in machine learning, conversational AI, AI strategy, and more, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, says AI will soon be impossible to avoid. 'It is everywhere already – from the simple photo recognition software on our phones to movie recommendations on Netflix, to hospitals where it’s helping to analyse X-rays,' Dr Breslin says. 'It can perform so many tasks and, with new developments all the time, it looks likely to play a significant role in all our futures.'

As with any new technology, there will be risks if it is used inappropriately, but the potential benefits of responsible and ethical AI adoption are huge.

Pros and Cons of AI

There are mind-blowing numbers of AI-driven apps launching for all parts of our lives. Virtual assistants and smart-home devices save time and boost productivity, while automated scheduling tools can streamline tedious tasks. If you’re one of the 87% of UK adults who use online banking, it’s likely you have already benefited significantly from AI. Transaction-monitoring systems that analyse spending patterns now alert us swiftly to any irregularities or potentially fraudulent activities.

In healthcare, AI’s rapid processing of staggering amounts of data is speeding up analysis of medical results and drug development, freeing up doctors to deliver more personalised care and research scientists to make faster progress. AI-powered wearable devices are also transforming the lives of people with chronic health conditions, as they are able to monitor their symptoms 24/7. For instance, those who have diabetes can benefit from continuous glucose monitoring, allowing for better management of their condition.

However, the rapid advancement of AI also brings concerns. The fear of job displacement is a significant one, as AI can automate tasks that were previously performed by humans. There are also ethical considerations, such as the potential for AI to be used in ways that infringe on privacy or perpetuate biases. Ensuring that AI is developed and used responsibly is crucial to reaping its benefits while mitigating its risks.

In conclusion, AI is here to stay and will continue to shape our world in profound ways. By understanding its capabilities and limitations, we can make informed decisions about how to integrate this powerful technology into our lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

A: Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer programs that can learn, reason, and act like humans, performing tasks that typically require human intelligence such as speech recognition, answering questions, interpreting data, and creating visuals.

Q: How is AI used in daily life?

A: AI is used in various ways in daily life, including smart speakers, customer service chatbots, personalized product recommendations, and AI-generated answers to commonly searched questions. It is also used in healthcare, online banking, and smart home devices.

Q: What are the benefits of AI?

A: The benefits of AI include increased productivity, time savings, better fraud detection in banking, faster medical analysis, and more personalized healthcare. AI can also automate tedious tasks and provide continuous monitoring for people with chronic health conditions.

Q: What are the concerns about AI?

A: Concerns about AI include the potential for job displacement, ethical issues such as privacy infringement and bias, and the risk of AI being used inappropriately. Ensuring responsible and ethical AI development is crucial.

Q: How can we ensure responsible AI use?

A: Ensuring responsible AI use involves developing and implementing ethical guidelines, conducting regular audits to check for biases and privacy issues, and ensuring transparency in AI decision-making processes. Collaboration between technologists, ethicists, and policymakers is essential. 

More Related Topics :