1 big thing: In AI we trust -- too much

AI systems intended to help people make tough choices -- like prescribing the right drug or setting the length of a prison sentence -- can instead end up effectively making those choices for them, thanks to human faith in machines. How it works: These programs generally offer new information or a few options meant to help a human decision-maker choose more wisely. Why it matters: Over-reliance on potentially faulty AI can harm the people whose lives are shaped by critical decisions about employment, health care, legal proceedings and more. The big picture: This phenomenon is called automation bias. Early studies focused on autopilot for airplanes -- but as automation technology becomes more complex, the problem could get much worse with more dangerous consequences.