In the modern era, two significant movements are shaping the landscape of knowledge and technology: the push for open access to research and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). While both aim to democratize information and enhance human capabilities, their simultaneous pursuit reveals a fascinating irony. The Scholarly Kitchen brought this topic to us in their article, “A Dissonance of Ideals: Openness, Copyright, and AI.”
The irony lies in the intersection of these two movements. Open access aims to dismantle barriers to information, promoting a more inclusive and equitable distribution of knowledge. In contrast, the development of AI, while benefiting from open access data, often leads to the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few tech giants. These companies have the means to collect, process and analyze vast amounts of data, giving them a significant advantage in the AI race.
Moreover, while open access seeks to empower individuals and smaller institutions by providing free access to research, the AI industry can inadvertently undermine this goal. The sophisticated AI tools and technologies developed by large corporations are often inaccessible to smaller entities due to their high cost and complexity. This creates a paradox where the very data made freely available through open access can be used to develop AI systems that reinforce existing power structures and inequalities.
While the simultaneous pursuit of open access and AI presents an ironic juxtaposition, it also offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach the democratization of knowledge and technology. By addressing the disparities and fostering a more inclusive environment, we can harness the full potential of both movements to create a more equitable and innovative future.
Melody K. Smith
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