Mária Bieliková, a leading computer scientist and AI researcher, recently won the ESET Science Award in the Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia category. In an exclusive interview, she shared her thoughts on AI’s impact on society, ethics, and the future.
Reflecting on her award win, Bieliková expressed immense gratitude and highlighted the collaborative nature of achievements in the field of IT and AI. She stressed the importance of teamwork and acknowledged the pivotal role of the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies, which she co-founded and currently heads. Bieliková emphasized the institute’s stable position in the AI ecosystem of Central Europe.
In response to a question about the future of technology and AI, Bieliková underscored the challenges posed by the rapid advancement of AI, particularly in terms of automation, new structures, and potential risks such as synthetic organisms causing pandemics. She also reflected on the changing landscape of education, advocating for a shift towards valuing energy invested in meaningful activities over traditional cognitive skills.
When asked about the impact of AI on human consciousness and intelligence, Bieliková highlighted the progress made in AI systems, but cautioned against premature claims of achieving true artificial general intelligence (AGI). She noted the distinction between intelligence and consciousness, positing that AI lacks the ability to feel emotions or exhibit true understanding.
Discussing the rise of generative AI and its impact on creativity, Bieliková acknowledged the ability of AI systems to create original artifacts but emphasized the fundamental role of human creativity in fostering relationships and meaningful experiences. She noted the importance of human stories and emotions in art, suggesting that AI-generated art may not fully satisfy human needs for authentic expression.
Bieliková also addressed the ethical implications of AI development, emphasizing the need for responsible research and collaboration across disciplines to evaluate the societal impact of AI technologies. She stressed the importance of transparency, ethics, and regulation in shaping the future of AI systems and urged researchers to actively contribute to policymaking.
In conclusion, Bieliková emphasized the dual nature of AI’s potential, highlighting its ability to address global challenges while also posing significant risks. She underscored the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations and called for a collaborative effort between academia, industry, and policymakers to ensure that AI technologies align with societal values and promote trustworthiness and inclusivity.