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AI Misalignment Case Studies
AI Goes Astray
Imagine if your GPS started directing you to places you never wanted to go, or your spell-checker swapped out words that changed your whole message. That’s AI misalignment on a smaller scale, but when it happens in powerful systems — those involved in healthcare, finance, or law enforcement — it can have serious, real-world consequences.
So, what is AI misalignment? It’s what happens when an AI system’s actions don’t quite match the goals it was set up to achieve. Through my AI misalignment case studies, I’ve dug deep into scenarios across industries, exploring the types of misalignment that pop up, the reasons behind them, and the steps we can take to keep AI in line.
When AI Doesn’t Get It Right
AI misalignment comes down to a system misinterpreting its objectives or lacking the flexibility to adapt to real-world nuances. In fields where accuracy is essential — like healthcare and finance — this can lead to unintended outcomes. My experience has shown me that misalignment often boils down to three main types:
