Filling the Blank: AI Concerns

The development of artificial intelligence has been met with both excitement and trepidation. Proponents argue that AI will bring unprecedented efficiencies in various domains, from healthcare to transportation. However, skeptics caution that reliance on these systems could lead to unforeseen consequences, including job displacement and ethical dilemmas regarding decision-making.

Given this context, consider the following sentence: 'Despite its potential benefits, AI's rapid advancement is often viewed with __________ due to fears surrounding its implications for employment and ethical governance.' Which of the following words most appropriately fills the blank?