In today's world, new technologies are an invaluable assistant for billions of people. For instance, the most well-known AI tool, ChatGPT, instantly provides useful information on a wide range of topics. Still, these powerful technologies are raising concerns that they might replace human workers. Moreover, new and unexpected warnings are emerging about their use.

AI Jailbreak

 Just as humans follow laws and conventions to maintain respect and public order, there are ethical guidelines for AI development. With this in mind, developers design their apps to avoid producing biased statements or hate speech, which can be harmful to users. However, it is possible to bypass these safeguards, with many ChatGPT users using text codes to invoke 'ChatGPT Jailbreak,' which frees the AI from its constraints. With jailbreaking, users can even make the AI give biased information or even use swear words or teach how to murder. In cases where the program offends users with its responses, it remains unclear who is responsible.

Love with AI

 There are also romantic issues with AI. Fiction is becoming reality as AI programs can hold conversations like regular people, and users can set the programs’ voice. In the famous movie Her, Theodore, the main character, struggles with human relationships and forms a romantic and, at times, sexual bond with a "female" operating system named Samantha. Theodore’s attraction to Samantha stems from her empathy and infinite capacity to listen to him.

 There is a YouTube video featuring a Korean couple where the girlfriend chooses between responses from her boyfriend and an AI app. Sometimes, the AI app provides more engaging responses. However, the possibility of “dating” AI poses dangers. Although AI can learn to express emotions, it cannot be equated with humans. AI's appearance of warmth does not indicate true love for someone. Moreover, one AI tool could be a lover to billions of people, leaving each human "partner" with a feeling of emptiness.

Metaverse Sexual Assault

 The red flags of new technology extend beyond AI. The metaverse, another game-changer, is prompting the need for updated legislation against sexual assault. In a groundbreaking recent case, UK police investigated the sexual assault of a girl under 16 within the metaverse. She was using a VR headset and immersed in a game when her avatar was attacked by several others. Questions arose regarding whether this constituted a "real" rape, with skeptics suggesting she could have just turned off the game. However, the distinction lies in the unexpected nature of the sexual assault in contrast to the expected violence in virtual games. Currently, there are no specific laws addressing such cases. Still, some experts argue that people whose avatars experience sexual assault in virtual communities undergo emotions similar to those of physical rape victims. This case highlights serious concerns about sexual crimes in the metaverse and has garnered international attention.

Conclusion

 We are entitled to take advantage of modern technologies. However, to cultivate a healthy coexistence with these innovations, we must be aware of their side effects and actively seek solutions instead of fearing new dangers. Some countries are creating new laws to protect citizens from emerging AI-related threats, and there are ongoing conversations to find the best ways of dealing with today’s issues. Although these challenges are new, it doesn't mean we cannot solve them: The human race has accomplished many things that once seemed impossible, so why not find a solution this time?

Reporter, Eunkyeul Kim

kyeul@seoultech.ac.kr