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The Dark Side of AI: Your Essential Guide to Understanding the Bumps in the Road

  • Holly Clarke
  • 25 minutes ago
  • 4 min read
A woman stands behind a caution tape.

There has been a lot of talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and all the awesome ways AI makes our lives easier. AI can recommend songs, enhance our photos, and organize our email.  However, as helpful as it can seem, AI includes many downsides and even dangers.


Understanding the dark side of AI can help us use AI in a safe and effective way. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to new technology!  Even if you are resistant to using AI, it is important to know where and how it is being used. 


Here are three important things to watch out for with AI:


1. AI Can Be Biased 

Imagine you're teaching a robot everything you know, but you only show it pictures of one kind of dog. If you then ask it to identify all dogs, it might struggle with dogs it's never seen.  AI learns from the information (or data) that people give it. If that data has unfair ideas, is biased, or is missing important parts, the AI can accidentally learn those same unfair ideas. Also, if the data is old or doesn’t include different viewpoints, it can lead to wrong results. This is called bias. It means the AI might not be fair to everyone.


How to Minimize: 

  • We need to be detectives and think critically about AI results. 

  • Review source data - Where did this AI get its information? Make sure it’s from reliable sources. Ask AI to give a list of references and resources it used to get the information.

  • Step back - Is it showing me a full picture, or just one side? Look for different opinions or viewpoints on the same topic. This helps you see the bigger picture. Ask AI to present the opposing viewpoint.

  • Ask questions about the results you get from AI - Think about whether the results make sense and if they seem fair. By doing these things, you can better understand AI and avoid bias!

A group of people stand around a woman working on a laptop

2. Privacy Worries - Where’s My Data Going?

For AI to be smart and helpful, it often needs to look at a lot of information. This can sometimes include your personal information, like what you search for, what you buy, or even where you go. This can make us feel a little uneasy and wonder: Who is seeing all this data? And how are they using it?


How to Minimize: 

  • Be mindful of your digital footprint. Periodically check the permissions for the apps and services you use. Make sure they only have access to the information they really need. If an app doesn’t need your location or contacts, turn off those permissions to protect your privacy.

  • Be careful about the information you share online. Avoid giving out personal, financial, or medical details.

  • Periodically clear your browser history, cookies, and app data. Some AI tools also allow you to clear your chat history or opt out of data being used for training.



A woman holding a laptop has her finger infront of her lips in a "shhh" gesture

3. Misinformation, Hallucinations, & Deepfakes

AI is getting so good at creating things that look incredibly real. This means it can sometimes spread misinformation (false or inaccurate information). AI can also have "hallucinations" - basically, it makes up information that isn't true, even if it sounds very confident. Plus, it can create deepfakes – fake pictures, videos, or even news articles that look and sound unbelievably real. It can make it really hard to tell what's true and what's made up, which can be confusing and even dangerous.

An AI-generated image of a fake bird. It is brightly colored with blue and yellow round, swirling feathers and a bright orange chest, and an orange, red, and black crest on its head.
An AI-generated (fake) image of a bird

How to Minimize: 

  • Remember to always be a digital detective and fact-checker. Always approach new information, especially if it seems shocking or too good to be true, with a healthy dose of skepticism.

  • Don't just rely on one source. Verify information by checking multiple reputable news organizations, academic sites, or official sources. 

  • Look for "Tells" - Learn to spot common signs of deepfakes or AI-generated content, such as unnatural movements, strange audio, or inconsistent details in images.

  • Utilize your public library - RHPL is your ultimate resource for this! We offer powerful research databases that provide reliable information, and our librarians are here to help you find trustworthy sources and build strong critical thinking skills. We can help you become a master at spotting misinformation!

A woman holding four blocks in front of her face that spell "fake" and "fact" depending on which way they are held.

The world of AI is changing incredibly fast, and it's so important to stay informed and keep learning. Knowing about these potential pitfalls isn't about being scared; it's about being smart and empowered. Your public library is here to help. We believe technology should be for everyone, and that means helping you understand both its amazing benefits and how to navigate its challenges safely.


What are your thoughts on AI? Share your experiences or questions on our social media pages or tag us on your social media using @rochesterhillspl. We'd love to hear from you!


Ready to explore the magic of AI, learn how to protect your privacy, or just want to feel more confident navigating the digital world? Check out RHPL’s recommendations inspired by this article.


Today’s blog post was written by Holly Clarke, Adult Services Librarian at RHPL.

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