The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across sectors has ignited a complex debate in India, particularly within the entertainment industry. While AI is celebrated for resurrecting late legends on screen, its darker side—the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography targeting celebrities—has raised serious alarms. This concern was starkly highlighted when actress Keerthy Suresh warned that AI is "on the verge of losing control beyond humans."
Vijay Antony's Broader Vision on Technological Evolution
In response to queries about Suresh's statement at a recent public event, actor and composer Vijay Antony offered a more panoramic view of the AI phenomenon. He contextualized its rise, noting that AI has already permeated everyday devices, from smartphones to automobiles. Antony traced this technological journey, stating it began with basic calculators and has now reached an advanced peak. His core argument centered on human adaptability. "Human society is capable of adapting to any change; just as bullock cart drivers started driving cars, we must adapt to the development of AI," he explained, urging a perspective shift from fear to understanding.
Addressing Fear and Recognizing AI's Dual-Edged Nature
Vijay Antony did not dismiss the genuine apprehensions surrounding AI. He acknowledged that the technology can be "scary and confusing," a sentiment amplified by its misuse to create morphed explicit content of film stars. However, he stressed that such fear is a natural part of every major evolution. Technological progress invariably sparks mixed reactions, and the optimal path forward is conscious adaptation. Antony emphasized that AI should ultimately be steered towards simplifying human life, not complicating it. He expressed confidence in humanity's accelerated pace of social adaptation, suggesting that our approach to AI must mirror this flexibility.
AI as a Liberating Force for Indian Farmers
Moving beyond the entertainment sphere, Vijay Antony painted a hopeful picture of AI's potential to revolutionize critical sectors, most notably agriculture. He expressed hope that AI could make a significant difference for hard-working farmers. He envisioned systems capable of predicting rainfall patterns and sunlight intensity well in advance. Looking further into the future, Antony speculated about AI-powered machines working directly in the fields. "This will be a great liberation for hard-working farmers," he stated, positioning AI as a tool for societal empowerment rather than a threat.
In his concluding remarks, Vijay Antony made a clear distinction: AI is not an enemy to be vanquished. Instead, it should be viewed as a powerful instrument for improving quality of life. His commentary provides a balanced framework, acknowledging the real risks of misuse in the film industry while championing the transformative benefits AI can bring to foundational sectors like agriculture in India.