Algorithmocracy: Do algorithms rule us?

We are in a period where the impact of artificial intelligence applications on our lives is among the topics of discussion. However, in fact, artificial intelligence has a history dating back to the 1950s and the question “Can computers think?” has been in mind ever since. has a question.

Especially after the 2010s, the rapid progress of artificial intelligence has been due to the increase in the widespread use of the internet. Previously, “Can computers be taught action?” While discussing, the ideas generated by the computer are now being discussed.

Now, the point reached is much further, in the direction of whether artificial intelligence can take over state administrations. It is discussed that algorithms gradually take over every aspect of life and eventually turn into a form of management. This situation is also known as “Algorithmmocracy”. However, could there be a complete transition to algorithmmocracy? The answer to the question is not yet clear. However, experts are of the opinion that states and statesmen are not in the safe zone in this period when artificial intelligence develops.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence? What does artificial intelligence mean for governments? Is algorithmocracy possible? Medeniyet University International Relations Lecturer Prof. Dr. We talked to İsmail Ermağan.

“We don’t need to be totally afraid of artificial intelligence studies”

prof. Dr. İsmail Ermağan is a name who also carries out his studies in the field of digital diplomacy, which is a fairly new field in the international relations department. Ermağan is of the opinion that artificial intelligence should not be considered completely positive or negative.

“For example, Elon Musk says it’s like a nuclear bomb. Or Stefan Hawking does not suggest the development of artificial intelligence at all. For example, cloning happened in 1996 and the cloning work did not stop. Russia dropped to third place in space, but does not reveal some of its work. So we don’t need to be totally afraid of artificial intelligence studies. There’s no use in fear anyway. We also have to produce.”

So, does artificial intelligence have risks?

Ermağan mentions the many benefits of artificial intelligence, but also points out that it has risks. He states that states should be more careful in terms of security.

“There are doctors with artificial intelligence, nano surgeons. There is no field that artificial intelligence does not enter. He produces songs, writes notes, draws pictures, signs his own signature. It has become like a classroom now and produces information there. Especially with the chat GPT, I think it will be used as a complementary element in our lives, but there is a risk of penetrating personal information and the most secret information of the state from there.

Every state has to base its own security. Italy was the first to ban it. The European Union is preparing a comprehensive social media and artificial intelligence law. This needs to be learned seriously in Turkey.”

“We need to make an artificial intelligence strategy”

Ermağan also says that artificial intelligence shows the power potential of states. Accordingly, he underlines that the strategy should be determined already.

“So we know how far the USA has come to the fore when producing a nuclear bomb or atomic bomb. But it’s also a source of energy. In this sense, we need to determine the pros and cons of artificial intelligence and address the artificial intelligence strategy from the higher segment.”

How are states affected?

Ermağan says that artificial intelligence, which operates in many fields, now even wants intellectual property. In this case, are the forms of government of the states also affected? prof. Dr. Ermağan points out that we are in a period where state structures are transforming.

“Artificial intelligence also writes software, finds patents, seeks intellectual property. States are now evolving according to the anarchic realist perspective we call that order. In fact, with the spread of the internet and the development of cyberspace, hyper anarchy has evolved. Now it has come to a much more complex order with elements that complement it. In other words, there is a situation that constantly harms states, unitary states and national states. For example, cyber attacks on states are quite intense. Türkiye is in the top ten. In other words, it is necessary to train experts in this field as well.”

“We have come to a time beyond the truth”

Algorithmmocracy can be defined as the situation where artificial intelligence takes over the management. Ermağan argues that states should do more work on this issue.

“If we look at the issue through algorithmocracy, four and a half billion of the 8 billion world population are on social media, on the internet. Facebook is the largest country in the world. In other words, it has already surpassed China and India. No crime in the world can be defended so clearly anymore. They recognize your face, they infect your chemistry, and the states can’t take their guard off too much. So we’ve come to such an arrangement. We have come to a time that is completely beyond the truth. In other words, false news affects elections and politics, for example, the US election in 2016. It is said to be clearly affected. All states need cyber armies now.”

How can we look at artificial intelligence in a positive way?

Ermağan states that there are many areas where algorithms benefit. He refers to the positive outputs that affect the states.

“In intelligence, law, criminal cases, artificial intelligence has a lot of benefits. Artificial intelligence is doing tremendous work in healthcare. Artificial intelligence achieves much faster results in very expensive procedures such as tomography where the human hand trembles. In other words, it has positive outcomes that affect many states, so it raises awareness for the state.”

What needs to be done to support artificial intelligence studies?

The artificial intelligence industry continues to develop rapidly. It is important for Turkey to take its place in this race. Ermağan says that every country should concentrate and become stronger in this area.

“Universities need more support for artificial intelligence studies. We need to open up areas for artificial intelligence studies in universities. In particular, we need to concentrate on certain sectors with artificial intelligence. While creating artificial intelligence algorithms, philosophy is very important, reasoning is very important and we have to explain this to our people. We set off late, but for example, in the defense industry, UAV / SİHA engineering is currently being established at the university. We should focus on areas where we can improve, such as health. We need to direct the private sectors.

We should take actions that can develop multi-global cooperation in certain areas of cooperation with the European Union. After all this, we need to raise the awareness of our people and make them more widespread on technology issues on television.”