Despite the positive aspects of employing technological capabilities like artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and others in enhancing the welfare of individuals and communities by improving public services such as healthcare, transportation, education, agriculture, environmental protection, and energy sources, there are negative dimensions to this employment in daily life. These include issues such as compromising privacy and security, as well as the potential for advanced automation and technology to reduce job opportunities, leading to higher unemployment rates and social unrest due to increased inequality.
This is where the importance of the book Artificial Intelligence and Society 5.0: Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges, edited by Vikas Khullar and others, and published in 2024, comes into play. The book discusses the idea of integrating advanced technology into societies, but with a focus on prioritizing human needs and requirements. The concept of Society 5.0 refers to a super-intelligent society, where humans are at the center. In this society, economic development, social issues, and modern technology align through an integrated system that brings together the digital and physical worlds. This society represents the fifth stage of human societal development, preceded by four key stages: the hunting society (1.0), the agricultural society (2.0), the industrial society (3.0), and the information society (4.0).
The Japanese government introduced the concept of Society 5.0 in 2016 as part of a plan to integrate AI technologies, robotics, IoT, and more into society in a way that meets its basic needs and provides a high quality of life for all individuals. It also aims to create a society that is flexible and capable of confronting challenges and risks.
Human-Centered Priority
The need for human-centered development, which prioritizes human needs and requirements, comes in the context of a global landscape full of pressures and challenges, such as environmental degradation, social and economic inequality, and population growth. Addressing these challenges requires integrating digital and physical technologies, such as AI and other technologies, into the stages of human development.
Advanced technology is a means to support the digital economy and improve other social services such as healthcare, education, transportation, and energy management by maximizing the benefits of the data generated by digital devices and systems. This helps significantly in reducing climate change, poverty, and disease outbreaks in communities. However, this naturally requires addressing ethical, legal, and social implications to ensure security and privacy are maintained. Other challenges that need to be tackled include:
Top-Down Development Instead of Needs-Based: Development strategies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution often rely on top-down policies and programs, largely ignoring people’s actual needs and aspirations. This has led to disappointing development outcomes. A shift in strategy is required, one that empowers people to participate in the development process and design policies and programs that prioritize human needs.
Limited Resources and Capacities: One of the major challenges facing development, especially in developing countries, is the scarcity of resources and capabilities. Governments and international organizations must invest in institutions and local communities to engage in development and implement targeted programs. Modern technology can help optimize resource use, achieving the aspirations of these communities.
Lack of Stability and Cultural Barriers: Political instability, corruption, and poor governance significantly hinder progress in many countries and communities. Cultural and societal norms also pose considerable restrictions on development programs. Therefore, human-centered development aims to address these challenges through increased collaboration with local communities to understand cultural and social standards, and to create culturally relevant programs to overcome these obstacles.
Integrative Dimensions
The book outlines several integrated pillars for the success of a super-intelligent society that relies on modern technology to meet human-centered development needs. Among the most prominent are:
Enhancing AI Infrastructure: A strong technological infrastructure of information systems, wireless networks, and cloud systems is essential for building a sustainable future society. This requires various executive structures, such as intelligent transport systems, smart buildings, and smart networks, to function seamlessly. Data from the physical world must be collected, analyzed, and transmitted to cloud systems. Big data improves decision-making, forecasts trends, and identifies patterns that enhance all service sectors.
For example, AI, IoT, and big data can create smart systems that increase productivity in many industries, making society more interconnected. However, concerns arise regarding privacy, security, and employment as society shifts toward digitization. Policymakers, business leaders, and citizens must collaborate to distribute the benefits of a technology-driven society equitably.
Optimal Use of Big Data: Big data refers to the vast amount of structured and unstructured data generated daily. These data come from various sources, including social media, online transactions, and sensor-generated information. Big data technologies enable institutions to process, store, and analyze massive amounts of data, helping them effectively identify customer preferences and expectations for targeted services.
Developing IoT and Energy Management: Smart networks powered by IoT and energy management offer innovative ways to regulate and optimize energy use while reducing costs and environmental impact. These technologies help monitor and manage energy production and consumption. IoT-enabled sensors and devices can capture real-time energy data, allowing for better understanding of energy consumption trends, network performance, and equipment maintenance with the help of stored data.
Digital Technology and Agricultural Security: One dimension of the fifth stage of human societies is enhancing the use of digital technology in the agricultural sector, which is crucial for food security. Given projections that the world’s population will exceed 10 billion by 2050, additional food production will be necessary. The technology-driven society aims to achieve “smart agriculture,” which uses modern technologies and methods at various stages of food production to improve both food quality and productivity. Smart agriculture employs sensors to detect temperature, light, and pressure, contributing to agricultural sustainability that meets population needs.
Key Requirements
The book outlines essential requirements for transitioning to the fifth phase of super-intelligent societies centered around human needs. Some of the most prominent points include:
- The importance of fostering social discussions around the use of technology. This provides a suitable environment for interdisciplinary communication and enhances social participation in the actions necessary for sustainable innovation. The implementation of sustainable development initiatives relies heavily on technological capabilities, as well as the sharing of data and expertise with stakeholders in communities.
- While modern technology enhances the power and influence of individuals and organizations, there is a critical need to support the ethical dimension. This helps ensure that the benefits of advanced technology are distributed fairly within society. The absence of ethics may lead to the use of technology in ways that exacerbate inequality, potentially giving rise to social unrest and violence. Ethical behavior in smart societies strengthens trust, credibility, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
- Applying machine learning to secure the Internet of Things (IoT). As technology intervenes in all service sectors to build a super-intelligent society—where all aspects of life are highly interconnected and supported by advanced technology—securing these devices is crucial for protecting personal information, preventing cyber-attacks, ensuring safety, protecting intellectual property, and maintaining user trust.
It is noteworthy that many governments around the world face cybersecurity challenges, including lower entry barriers, privacy concerns, and a lack of public transparency. The concept of digital governments and the use of artificial intelligence in providing various services and supporting development pathways have encouraged some individuals, terrorist groups, and governments to exploit digital security vulnerabilities to engage in espionage, warfare, crime, or cyberterrorism. Therefore, it is essential to balance the employment of these modern technologies in societies with addressing the resulting challenges by raising citizens’ awareness and enhancing the dimensions of information security.
Conclusion
The development of societies today is witnessing unprecedented progress across various sectors by leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to maximize resource utilization and achieve human-centered development. While the society of the Fourth Industrial Revolution integrated digital technology into all aspects of life to drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation, Society 5.0 adopts a more holistic approach. It aims to build a super-intelligent society that prioritizes human needs and requirements.
Source:
Khullar, M., Sharma, T. K., Angurala, M., & Chhabra, J. K. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Society: 50 Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Artificial-Intelligence-and-Society-50-Issues-Opportunities-and-Challenges/Khullar-Sharma-Angurala-Chhabra/p/book/9781032500751
