Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm in recent years, and it is no longer a futuristic concept confined to science fiction. AI is transforming industries in all sectors, from healthcare and education to business and agriculture.
AI refers to technology that enables computers and machines to perform tasks that typically would require human intelligence. AI-enabled technology can understand and respond to human language and prompts, learn from new information, and make detailed recommendations to users and experts. With continued advances, AI can even operate independently, reducing the need for human intervention, for example, self-driving cars.
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, opinions are mixed. Some see opportunity and innovation, while others feel uncertainty or concern. Most of us likely sit somewhere in between.
History of Artificial Intelligence
As a society, we have become captivated by AI, but it is far from a new concept. In the 1950’s – a time when computing power largely relied on the human brain – mathematicians began exploring the idea that “every aspect of learning or any other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it”. This thinking essentially gave birth to the concept of artificial intelligence.
Since then, AI and its capabilities have grown exponentially, particularly since 2020, due to developments in generative AI (GenAI). This innovation introduced the ability to generate text, images, and videos in response to user prompts. GenAI grew even further in 2023, when tech giant Microsoft integrated ChatGPT – a realistic AI chatbot – into its search engine, Bing. In the same year, Google released its own AI chatbot.
What are people thinking about AI?
AI is simultaneously transforming industries whilst also remaining a controversial topic. For many, AI is both exciting and unsettling. It promises convenience, efficiency, and progress, yet raises important questions about trust, control, and the future of human work and creativity.
There is a sense of awe at the speed of technological advancement but also concern about how little time society has had to adapt. The conversation around AI extends beyond just technology; it touches on values, ethics, and what it means to be human in a digital age.
Psychologically, humans like to see cause and effect, as well as logical explanations for decisions, so that we can critique them. Research into ‘algorithm aversion’ has shown that people often prefer flawed human judgement, over algorithmic decision-making, particularly after witnessing even a single algorithmic error. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that many people remain cautious about AI.
The Advantages of AI
- Efficiency and automation AI can process large amounts of information quickly, helping businesses and individuals save time and work more effectively. Repetitive or time-consuming tasks can be automated, freeing people to focus on more creative or strategic work.
- Reduce human errors AI increases accuracy and precision. For example, robotic surgery systems can perform complex procedures with precision, reducing the risk of human errors and improving patient safety.
- Innovation and problem-solving In healthcare, AI is supporting earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment. In science and research, it’s helping analyse complex data and identify patterns that humans might miss.
- Accessibility and support – AI-powered tools can improve accessibility, from speech-to-text software to virtual assistants that support people with disabilities or learning differences.
- Reduced physical risk AI can automate dangerous work such as animal control, handling explosives, or tasks in deep ocean water, at high altitude, or in outer space, significantly reducing risk to humans.
- 24/7 availability AI systems can operate continuously without breaks unlike humans that need rest. For example, online customer service chatbots can remain active 24/7, providing instant assistance both during and outside standard working hours.
The Disadvantages and Concerns About AI
- Job displacement As AI automates more tasks, concerns about job security and the future of work increase. There is concern that roles may evolve or disappear altogether, requiring reskilling and adaptation.
- Loss of human autonomy and connectionOver-reliance on AI may lead to laziness as individuals might become less inclined to develop new skills and knowledge. Additionally, unlike humans, AI lacks true creativity and emotional intelligence sensitivity.
- Bias and ethics AI systems are only as biased as the data they’re trained on. If that data contains bias, AI can unintentionally reinforce inequality or discrimination.
- Privacy and Control The use of AI often involves large amounts of personal data, raising important questions about privacy, consent, and who ultimately controls the technology.
Regulation, Policy, and AI Governance in Business
As AI adoption accelerates, businesses must ensure its use is guided by robust regulation, clear internal policies, and well-defined procedures. Organisations need to understand and comply with evolving legal requirements around data protection, transparency, accountability, and ethical use, while also establishing internal governance frameworks that define how AI systems are selected, implemented, monitored, and reviewed. This includes assigning clear ownership, ensuring human oversight of automated decisions, mitigating bias, protecting sensitive data, and documenting how AI influences outcomes. Strong AI governance not only reduces legal and reputational risk, but also builds trust with customers, employees, and regulators – enabling organisations to adopt AI responsibly and sustainably.
AI in the Isle of Man
AI is global phenomenon, but locally, the Isle of Man is actively embracing its potential. Digital Isle of Man has established the ‘Activate AI’ programme to help the Island’s community understand and adopt evolving AI technologies, with the aim of embedding AI into businesses, jobs and the wider economy. Established in 2024, the programme is supported by the Economic Strategy Board and has an initial target headline of increasing GDP by 10% by 2030.
Fast forward to January 2026, the Isle of Man Government launched a National Office of AI Development and Regulation. This Office will ensure that appropriate structures are in place to navigate the changes and challenges that AI brings and support the Isle of Man to utilise AI in a practical, sustainable, and responsible way.
What Does the Future Hold in an AI World?
The future of AI is unlikely to be entirely positive or entirely negative; instead, it will be shaped by how we choose to use it.
Rather than displacing humans, AI has the potential to work alongside us, enhancing our abilities rather than diminishing them. Education systems may evolve to focus more on creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence – skills that AI cannot truly replicate.
There will also be a growing need for ethical frameworks, regulation, and transparency to ensure AI is developed responsibly and used for the benefit of society as a whole, something the Isle of Man is already taking proactive steps to address.
Finding Balance in an AI-Driven World
Ultimately, AI is a powerful, complex, and continually evolving tool. It can support progress, creativity, and connection, but only if guided by strong human values.
As we move forward, open dialogue, curiosity, and thoughtful decision-making will be essential. In an AI-driven world, our humanity, empathy, creativity, and ethical responsibility remain more important than ever.