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You may hear and read a lot of nonsense about how artificial intelligence is going to make the rest of us expendable. Human beings have been doing an extraordinary job of making many fellow earthlings expendable for centuries. You may think that the development of artificial intelligence – smart machines like the ones that turn on your lights and wake you each morning, park your car and have dinner waiting – could replace us. But if we are half as smart as we think we are, we will develop machines that take the drudgery out of work and free us to be ever more creative and innovative.

To understand how AI will affect us, Forbes business magazine asked futurists if artificial intelligence will become a detriment or a benefit to the rest of us. The experts favored benefit but warned us of such unintended consequences as loss of control. If we create machines smarter than we are, that could be dangerous. While fears of killer robots grab headlines and book and movie storylines, we’re already living with unintended and unforeseen consequence. For example, Facebook’s newsfeed algorithm may have influenced election outcomes that affected politics. Can we better anticipate and address such possible future outcomes?

On the positive side the experts said:

• AI enhances our efficiency. Fear of technology is common. It took us years to develop regulation of the auto and airline industries to make them safe.AI today is a huge benefit to us because it enhances our efficiency while creating opportunities to raise incomes, cut costs and create innovative jobs we never had before.

• AI frees us to do what we do best. None of us want tedious tasks. Machines can do that. Robots allow us to do more thoughtful and creative work. It’s why the Almighty gave us brains.

• AI creates jobs and a strong economy You’ve seen the fake news: Robots and AI will destroy jobs. This is fiction.AI brings evolution in the job market. With preparation, this will be positive.

When I got started in publishing, it took a skilled compositor an hour to build a newspaper page in hot lead. Today I can do it in minutes on a computer. We will work but better, faster and smarter with the help of AI. Working with machines is already common on the job.

• AI will enhance the way we live.AI will create more efficient businesses and give us more time with those we love.AI already answers our phones and takes messages. Answering emails and data entry is next. Smart homes will also reduce energy use and provide better security.

We will enjoy better health care with better diagnostic technology. Dr. Taylor Williams found a problem in my widow maker that way. Dr. Jeff Travis used bypass surgery tools that allowed me to heal faster.

• AI levels the playing field. Due to costs, the latest technologies are only available to the wealthy or better insured. AI will extend that to more of us.

• AI will solve complex problems. It may even further the search for world peace.

Something special for readers

Jerry is offering free electronic copies of his book “Your Life’s Great Purpose” to subscribers to the Chronicle. Email him with your phone number at jerrybellune@yahoo.com