The conference "Generative Artificial Intelligence in Economic and Social Spheres: Pro&Contra 2025", which started on October 1, raises important issues related to the safety of GAI. What should we be wary of, and what risks and threats should we pay attention to first? We discussed this with Natalia Yastreb, a participant in the conference and Vice-Rector of Vologda University.
- What are the real dangers of generative artificial intelligence?
- It is important to understand that large language models and generative AI in general are computing centers with high energy consumption. Their share in the total energy consumption is increasing, and this has certain environmental, economic, and social consequences. Generative AI is becoming the first technology on the list of environmental impact. Additionally, the construction of such centers requires hardware, which includes rare earth metals and other resources. These factors are often overlooked when discussing the negative consequences of generative AI.
If we talk about the impact of GIA on the labor market, then, as recent studies show, we should not expect a sharp reduction in professions or people in certain professions. There is a trend towards replacing part of an employee's functions with generative artificial intelligence while retaining that employee for other functions, which is more of a model of strengthening the workplace.
Studies also show that GIA has the greatest impact on the education market. The field of higher education has changed, I believe, forever in 2022, when the world gained access to ChatGPT. And we will need to review our activities, which is what we are doing.
The banking and retail sectors are also among the industries that are leading in terms of the adoption of artificial intelligence, including generative AI. As for industrial production and the real economy, it is not yet the case of global transformations under the influence of GIA. Rather, we can talk about the replacement or strengthening of certain functions in production. Therefore, it is probably not worth exaggerating the impact of GIA, but rather to assess it realistically.
As for specific people, yes, there are indeed serious social risks. When a person regularly uses such models, they transform their activities, thinking patterns, and problem-solving skills, as well as their interactions with others. This is particularly concerning for young people and children, whose personalities are still developing and will continue to do so in the context of interacting with artificial intelligence. This is an interesting area for research. It is important to pay attention to this.
- In how many years will there be no field that doesn't involve generative artificial intelligence?
- I believe that different fields will adopt GAI at different rates. The most rapid integration of technology is in the fields of commerce, banking, education, and media. Other industries are less rapid in this regard.
However, as Alexander Krainov from Yandex suggests, all professions of the future are "drivers of artificial intelligence." It's important not to overstate the idea that artificial intelligence will be everywhere, and we will only be managing it. No, we will be working, but our functionality will become much wider, and duties will be added. That is, in the end, you will have to work more.
- What are the real dangers of generative artificial intelligence?
- It is important to understand that large language models and generative AI in general are computing centers with high energy consumption. Their share in the total energy consumption is increasing, and this has certain environmental, economic, and social consequences. Generative AI is becoming the first technology on the list of environmental impact. Additionally, the construction of such centers requires hardware, which includes rare earth metals and other resources. These factors are often overlooked when discussing the negative consequences of generative AI.
If we talk about the impact of GIA on the labor market, then, as recent studies show, we should not expect a sharp reduction in professions or people in certain professions. There is a trend towards replacing part of an employee's functions with generative artificial intelligence while retaining that employee for other functions, which is more of a model of strengthening the workplace.
Studies also show that GIA has the greatest impact on the education market. The field of higher education has changed, I believe, forever in 2022, when the world gained access to ChatGPT. And we will need to review our activities, which is what we are doing.
The banking and retail sectors are also among the industries that are leading in terms of the adoption of artificial intelligence, including generative AI. As for industrial production and the real economy, it is not yet the case of global transformations under the influence of GIA. Rather, we can talk about the replacement or strengthening of certain functions in production. Therefore, it is probably not worth exaggerating the impact of GIA, but rather to assess it realistically.
As for specific people, yes, there are indeed serious social risks. When a person regularly uses such models, they transform their activities, thinking patterns, and problem-solving skills, as well as their interactions with others. This is particularly concerning for young people and children, whose personalities are still developing and will continue to do so in the context of interacting with artificial intelligence. This is an interesting area for research. It is important to pay attention to this.
- In how many years will there be no field that doesn't involve generative artificial intelligence?
- I believe that different fields will adopt GAI at different rates. The most rapid integration of technology is in the fields of commerce, banking, education, and media. Other industries are less rapid in this regard.
However, as Alexander Krainov from Yandex suggests, all professions of the future are "drivers of artificial intelligence." It's important not to overstate the idea that artificial intelligence will be everywhere, and we will only be managing it. No, we will be working, but our functionality will become much wider, and duties will be added. That is, in the end, you will have to work more.