10 myths about artificial intelligence you should leave behind
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s lips. From alarmist headlines to futuristic promises that sound like something out of a science fiction movie, confusion often arises. The truth is, AI is already among us, but not always in the form many believe. In this post, we debunk ten of the most common myths surrounding the world of artificial intelligence.
Myth 1: Artificial intelligence is like human intelligence
One of the most common beliefs is that artificial intelligence works like the human brain. Although some models can mimic language or learn patterns, they lack consciousness, emotions, or common sense. Current AI systems are very good at specific tasks, but they don’t understand what they’re doing. They can’t reason like a person, nor can they make decisions with emotional or moral context. For now, we are far from an AI that thinks like a human.
Myth 2: AIs know everything
There’s a common misconception that AI can answer any question or know absolutely everything. This isn’t true. Artificial intelligences, such as chatbots or assistants, operate based on the data they were trained with. They don’t have real-time, up-to-date knowledge (unless they’re connected to the internet and allow it), nor do they truly understand the information they’re processing. Furthermore, they can make mistakes, offer incorrect answers, or reproduce errors present in their training data.
Myth 3: AI will take everyone's jobs
This is one of the most feared and debated myths. While it’s true that many tasks are being automated thanks to AI, that doesn’t mean massive unemployment. What’s happening is a transformation of the labor market: some professions are changing, others are disappearing, and many new ones are being created. As with other technological revolutions, adaptation is key. AI doesn’t eliminate human labor, but it is changing the way we work.
Myth 4: Machines can become conscious
This myth is often fueled by science fiction. The idea that an AI will “wake up” or develop feelings or desires of its own is exaggerated given current technology. AIs lack subjectivity and self-awareness. They are advanced programs that follow instructions and learn from data, but they lack intention or will. Consciousness remains uniquely human.
Myth 5: AI is always objective and fair
Many people believe that AI makes fairer decisions because it lacks emotions and biases. However, this is false. AIs can inherit biases from the data they were trained with. If a model is trained with unbalanced or discriminatory information, it will repeat those patterns. Therefore, it is essential to review and correct biases in the development of artificial intelligence systems, especially when used in sensitive contexts such as personnel selection, justice, or healthcare.
Myth 6: AI is only useful for technical tasks
Some people think AI is only for programmers or engineers, and that it’s only used in laboratories or factories. But the reality is that it’s already present in everyday life. From social media filters to recommendations on streaming platforms, virtual assistants, automatic translators, and creative tools, AI has become accessible to everyone. You don’t need to know how to code to use it or benefit from it.
Myth 7: AIs are going to dominate the world
This myth blends fear and science fiction. Ideas about machines conquering humanity or deciding to exterminate it are the stuff of movies, not current technological reality. While there are risks associated with the misuse of AI, as with any powerful tool, the real challenge lies in how humans design, regulate, and apply it. Machines have no ambition or secret agenda. We are the ones who decide how they are used.
Myth 8: Everything an AI does is original
Many people believe that AI magically creates new things. But in reality, everything an AI generates is based on what it learned from its training. If it writes a text, composes a song, or designs an image, it does so based on patterns learned from previous data. Artificial creativity is not like human creativity. There is no spark of inspiration or artistic intent behind it, even if the result may surprise us.
Myth 9: If an AI makes a mistake, it's the AI's fault
It’s common to blame AI when a system makes a mistake. But in reality, errors are often the result of human error: poor system design, incorrect data, or a lack of oversight. AI is a tool, and like any tool, it requires responsibility in its use. If used without control or review, it can have negative consequences. Responsibility remains with those who create and implement it.
Myth 10: AI is already out of control
Some claim that artificial intelligence is growing unchecked, and that no one can stop its advance. But this view ignores the work of researchers, organizations, and governments that are establishing ethical and legislative frameworks. While it’s true that development is rapid, there is also a global debate about how to regulate it. We are not at the mercy of machines, but rather face the challenge of establishing clear and fair rules for their use.
Conclusion: understand so as not to fear
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it’s neither magical nor autonomous. Many of the myths circulating are due to ignorance or exaggerated images. If we want to harness the potential of AI, the first step is to understand what it is and what it isn’t. Debunking these myths is a fundamental step toward building a more informed, safer, and fairer future.
AI is not the enemy, nor is it a miracle solution. It is a technology created by humans, with all that entails. The more we learn about it, the better we can make decisions as users, as professionals, and as a society.