Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, including its role in shaping and governing cities. AI urbanism, a new area of research, goes beyond the concept of smart cities by utilizing AI technology to manage and govern urban environments. While the potential benefits are significant, there are concerns about the extent to which AI should be involved in the running of cities.
The development of AI is closely tied to the development of cities. As city dwellers go about their daily routines, AI systems learn valuable information about our world. From transportation patterns to consumer preferences, AI can gather vast amounts of data from urban settings. This data can then be used to inform decision-making processes in urban governance.
However, there are ethical and social justice implications to consider. Predictive policing, for example, is a controversial application of AI urbanism. AI systems can accurately predict where crimes will occur and even identify potential perpetrators. While this may aid law enforcement in resource allocation, there is a risk of bias and discrimination. Recent studies have shown that AI-made decisions in areas like housing and real estate can disproportionately penalize racial minorities.
Moreover, the environmental impact of AI technology is a growing concern. The energy-intensive nature of AI contributes to carbon emissions and places a strain on critical raw materials. While AI offers promises of sustainability, the negative consequences and costs need to be carefully considered.
It is important to note that the delegation of decision-making responsibilities to AI is a conscious choice by humans. Neom, a massive construction project in Saudi Arabia, exemplifies this trend. Neom aims to create an autonomous city, managed entirely by AI systems. Self-driving vehicles, robots, and predictive algorithms are envisioned as the backbone of these cities of the future.
However, the rise of autonomous cities raises questions about human autonomy and well-being. As AI becomes more autonomous, human decision-making power decreases. This challenges the autonomy of human stakeholders in urban governance and may have negative implications for individuals’ rights, opportunities, and overall well-being.
While AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and improve urban living, it is crucial to carefully consider its implications and ensure that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations is essential for creating inclusive and sustainable cities of the future.
The source of the article is from the blog radiohotmusic.it