The Hazards of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a reality that we cannot ignore, we have been exposed to it whether we like it, know it or desire it. However, the repercussions of the abuse of the same can be devastating to people, especially to those of the young who are vulnerable and gullible to for profit corporations that create a dangerous environment for people under the disguise of artificial intelligence.

The first time I used artificial intelligence, I was very curious and I thought that it could potentially change my life, but instead, it was a detriment, as I saw that it recreated environments and spaces that were not mine but created by a robot or a computer which mimicked the human mind, this in itself is a pretty scary scenario because the idea of people disappearing and the planet being controlled by machines is an outlandish idea that needs to be debunked.

We should be aware of the repercussions of our reliance on technology, as it can be detrimental to our mental health, now that mental health is a topic that is discussed openly not only in medical but in social circles. Suicide prevention is something that I did not talk about when I was younger, and not until it was my turn to experience a chaotic scenario in my life, was I able to put into words what I felt, the isolation, pretending to be okay so that others would not notice, keeping up with the appearances and pressures of school and maintaining a job to sustain myself and my children. However, I now know that prevention and help is available and that we should be our own advocates even when the world and our environment say we do not matter.

I have recently had a few incidents in which I have become, to say the least, existentialist. Why do I exist? Why is my life this way? Why are the planets turning in circles around the sun? Present a question, and I have already had it in my mind, it is disturbing and depressing. But there is help, and we should reach for that help when necessary because the more we discuss topics that are perhaps sensitive and difficult to talk about, the more we are able to overcome them.

Mental health treatment and suicide prevention is not necessarily a sit-down conversation with our therapist, an appointment with a professional or a regiment that we follow, it instead, is a wholesome experience in which we are full participants in it, and which is self-sustaining. Sometimes, when the sun does not shine, we can become quite depressed because natural light is necessary for our wellbeing, but there are ways to counter those feelings, like participating in our community, volunteering, visiting a museum, reading a book at a library, making a new friend or going for a bicycle ride.

Some factors that have affected me greatly are the loss of my friends and I can only remember how they existed in my experience of life. I am saddened that some people who I love are forever gone and that the memories that I have of them are simply a memory, but yet, I think of an article I read about why Asian cultures are the happiest in the world, which is why they overcome obstacles with many happy experiences and paying attention to the little details in life.

While spending time in confinement, I was devastated to see my world turn in circles in a ten-by-ten cell which was very difficult to deal with. I was truly alone, without any contact to the outside world and without any hope of release. I became upset and withdrew completely from others. It was at that moment that I read a book on meditation, and I suddenly woke up from my numbness. I was able to see things for what they were and with the help of my family and friends I overcame a big obstacle in my life, I became what I desired, a free person and someone who was able to forgive others and my past. 

Being able to say that we are healthy does not only mean that we are physically well, but also, that we are mentally prepared for the challenges that life poses for us. Sometimes those challenges are very difficult to overcome, and some people have the strength and stamina to get up and try again and again. We must be careful, however, as to how much we are investing in some situations, as they may become detrimental if we do not leave them and making amends is not sufficient, we must truly change those situations and set our own terms, building a path that we like, and one that brings us joy. 

In my opinion, if we are able to open our eyes in the morning, get up from bed, have a cup of coffee and smile, we have already overcome many challenges. Many people do not get the chance to say: “I am happy”, but if we get to that point and we truly believe in ourselves, I think we have overcome most of our obstacles and problems in life.