Vertaix - Blog - Will AI replace humans ?

Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Humans? A Look at the Parallel Functions of the Brain

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made remarkable progress in replicating certain aspects of human intelligence, especially in logical and data-driven tasks. However, it still falls short in areas related to creativity, emotions, and ethical judgment. The future lies in the collaboration between humans and AI, where they can complement each other's strengths to create a harmonious coexistence.

What is intelligence? For centuries, humans have grappled with this question, defining it in various ways related to our five senses. Intelligence, as we know it, encompasses the ability to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell - a complex interplay of sensory experiences, emotions, and rational thinking. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in replicating some of these sensory perceptions, such as sight and sound (camera, audio...). However, it still falls short in emulating other aspects of human intelligence, leaving us with an intriguing question: Can AI ever truly replace humans?

To delve into this profound query, we must first understand the duality of the human brain - the left and the right hemispheres. These two halves contribute uniquely to human cognition. Furthermore, we must clarify what "artificial" means in the context of AI. Lastly, let's establish a working definition of AI as a system designed by humans to mimic and execute cognitive functions.


(Image: CGBear/Shutterstock)


The Left Brain:

In the realm of left-brain functions, AI has already surpassed human capabilities in various domains. Consider this: imagine you are a shopkeeper, tasked with predicting which customers are most likely to make purchases and what they will buy based on a multitude of criteria. Your human mind can only go so far. In contrast, advanced neural network algorithms consistently outperform human predictions, often identifying 80% of purchasers among the top 20% of prospects. Another striking example is fraud detection. AI-driven algorithms excel in real-time fraud detection, far outstripping human analysis, thereby saving both time and resources. Companies worldwide are heavily investing in these algorithms to streamline their operations.

The secret behind AI's prowess in these tasks lies in its computational power, especially in the realm of short-term memory. The human brain, akin to a computer's RAM, pales in comparison to AI's ability to store and process vast amounts of information rapidly. This allows AI to make sophisticated analytics and deductions, giving it a distinct advantage over humans in certain domains.

The Right Brain:

On the other side of the equation, the right brain deals with creativity, adaptability, emotions, empathy, and ethical judgment. These aspects of human intelligence have traditionally been considered beyond the reach of AI. However, recent developments suggest otherwise.

AI generative models, for instance, have demonstrated their creative potential by crafting logos, images, and even music compositions. Sentiment analysis algorithms, extensively used by tech giants, gauge the mood of social media posts and comments with remarkable accuracy. Startups have also ventured into creating art through AI. While these developments are promising, they do not replicate the unique, personal expression found in human creativity. A Picasso painting isn't merely the sum of its materials; it's an embodiment of the artist's distinct vision and emotions, something AI is yet to grasp.



In contemplating the question of whether AI will replace humans, it becomes evident that while AI has made tremendous strides in replicating certain aspects of human intelligence, it still lags significantly behind in others. The left brain functions, rooted in logic and data processing, find their AI counterparts far surpassing human capabilities. Yet, when it comes to the right brain's domains of creativity, emotions, and ethical judgment, AI falls short of capturing the essence of human expression and uniqueness.

The future of AI-human collaboration holds immense promise. AI can augment our abilities, streamline processes, and make our lives more efficient. However, the innate qualities of humanity, including creativity and emotional depth, remain uniquely our own. In the end, it's not a question of AI replacing humans, but rather, of humans and AI complementing each other to create a future where the best of both worlds can coexist harmoniously.