Speaking at the 22nd Convocation of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Director Govindan Rangarajan addressed the transformative yet challenging influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Highlighting both its potential and pitfalls, he underscored how AI is reshaping social and professional landscapes.
Rangarajan remarked that while AI and smartphones keep us globally connected, they paradoxically deepen personal isolation. “Social media creates an illusion of connectivity, yet families now gather while engaging more with devices than each other,” he observed. He also highlighted how AI has disrupted perceptions of truth, with technologies like deepfakes and AI mimicry creating deceptive scenarios that challenge our understanding of reality.
On the positive side, Rangarajan called AI a revolution comparable to fire, transforming fields like coding, laboratory automation, and chip design. While basic coding roles are increasingly automated, he urged graduates to prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and direct human connections, skills that AI cannot replicate.
He emphasized the need to balance technological advancements with the preservation of human empathy and relationships, cautioning against over-reliance on AI. Rangarajan concluded by urging students to harness AI’s potential while cherishing human values, which remain essential in an AI-driven world.
Read Also: