Recently, as the pace of artificial intelligence (AI) development accelerates globally, it is having social, economic, and technological impacts beyond what we had imagined. While AI is often considered the pinnacle of new technology, some experts define it as 'technological adolescence,' warning that now is the time for humanity to make truly mature technological judgments. South Korea is by no means an exception to this global trend. But are we truly prepared enough for this monumental change? Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic and an AI safety researcher at the forefront of AI research, presented a highly noteworthy analysis in his essay 'The Adolescence of Technology,' published on January 15, 2026. He warned that while AI possesses immense potential, comparable to nuclear weapons, it is uncertain whether humanity can manage it wisely without self-destruction. Amodei, however, did not merely succumb to pessimism; he also presented specific positive changes that AI could bring. He stated that AI could revolutionize disease treatment and life extension in biology, and contribute to solving mental health issues in neuroscience. He also emphasized that in terms of economic development, it could enhance productivity and create new industries, and on a global peace level, it could help prevent international conflicts and improve diplomatic decision-making. In particular, he predicted that AI would fundamentally change how humans work and find meaning in life. However, Amodei stresses the need to confront the serious risks hidden behind these rosy prospects. While cautioning against the 'doom' perspective of AI development—the extreme pessimism that AI will inevitably lead humanity to ruin—he deeply discussed new types of risks, such as the opacity of data sources, the ambiguity of accountability for algorithmic decisions, and the unpredictable 'hallucination' phenomenon generated by AI models. He particularly emphasized the need for concrete 'strategies' to counter these risks, proposing a balanced approach that simultaneously pursues technological advancement and safety. This is a crucial insight for the entire world, including South Korea, as it enters the AI era. Amodei's warnings become even more tangible through recently published research findings. According to the 2025 AI Index report released by Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute (Stanford HAI), despite a global surge in AI-related incidents and malfunctions, major industrial model developers are not adequately conducting standardized Responsible AI (RAI) evaluations. This clearly demonstrates that AI risk management systems are failing to keep pace with technological advancements. In South Korea, while AI utilization is expanding into various sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing, a failure by the government and private companies to actively adopt RAI standards could lead to severe trust crises and safety issues in the long run. To strengthen the competitiveness of AI technology, it is a prerequisite to establish the accompanying ethical and legal foundations, going beyond merely focusing on innovative model development. AI Governance: International Cases and Domestic Implications So, how should South Korean society overcome this 'technological adolescence'? First, it must actively recognize and institutionalize the necessity of AI ethics and governance. This trend is already accelerating in the global market. The South Korean government announced the 'National AI Strategy' in 2020 and formulated the 'Strategy for Realizing Trustworthy AI' in 2022, but its actual application and implementation in industrial settings remain insufficient. According to a 2025 survey by the Ministry of Science and ICT, less than 30% of domestic AI development companies possess systematic ethical guidelines. This suggests the need not only for stronger regulations but also for practical support and incentive systems to achieve a healthy balance between technological advancement and the ecosystem. For instance, the government could consider granting additional points to companies that actively adopt RAI standards when entering the public procurement market, or using them as a credibility indicator for attracting investment. Second, the necessity of technological ethics education cannot be overstated. AI is no longer confined to the domain of technical experts; it is increasingly permeating the daily lives of the general public. From chatbot services and recommendation algorithms to autonomous driving technology and medical diagnostic support systems, AI already influences many aspects of our lives. Therefore, technological ethics should be treated as a mandatory subject not only in elementary, middle, and high school curricula but also in university education and workplace training. Currently, South Korea's public education system focuses on expanding software and coding education, but critical discussion and reflection on the ethical
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