Have Taxes Exceeded Our Humanity? IBM’s Watson Must Think So.
It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. — Albert Einstein
In 2017, they announced that H&R Block customers can harness the same brainpower to help do taxes as doctors use to help diagnose cancer. Is this a great thing? Just wondering.
On the surface, it sounds quite intriguing. Underneath the surface, it sounds a bit . . . scary.
What is IBM’s Watson?
IBM’s Watson is an artificial intelligence computer. And, IBM is reportedly now looking to develop its artificial intelligence technology into a multi-billion dollar business. That’s fine. Even Staples and Macy’s are reportedly jumping onto the Watson bandwagon to help guide shoppers through stores.
Back to human intelligence vs. taxes
Does anyone else have a problem with needing artificial intelligence to help professionals best navigate through your tax preparation? What about the millions of people who prepare their taxes on their own? Is our human intelligence no longer adequate to prepare our taxes properly? If so, is using artificial intelligence the answer?
As a person who developed computer applications to facilitate trading on the stock exchange floors, I certainly appreciate the benefits of technology. But should we need technology in all aspects of our lives?
When good technology goes bad.
Years ago, I attended a high school dance. The exciting draw was that a computer would match you to a date. At the time, the concept was new and exciting. The results, not so much. If that was the best date that a computer could find for me, I would say the computer had lots to learn about chemistry, human nature, and compatibility. I guess today artificial intelligence makes a suitable match more likely, and perhaps may be useful for online dating services. Human compatibility and attraction are complex matters.
Now that I think about it, Watson may have some useful things to say in this area.
Back to Watson and Taxes.
But let’s go back to the combination of Watson and tax preparation. What is this saying to us? That it’s now helpful—or even necessary—to have the tremendous brainpower of an IBM AI computer to best complete your tax return?
Ok. Am I the only one who thinks that something’s wrong here?
Maybe artificial intelligence should be used to simplify the tax code.
Looking Ahead
In the not-too-distant future, will we all have miniature Watson’s at home? So, whenever we need help perfecting our hair, buttoning our shirt, or selecting socks, help will never be too far away. But what if we are running late for work and the network goes down? Maybe when the network comes back up, Watson can come up with an innovative excuse for our boss as to why we were late for work.
Yes, the more I think about it, there are many issues here. Do we need Watson to help us figure it all out?
Do we need Watson to be better humans?
