AI Agents Are Here: Benefits, Risks, and What You Need to Know
AI agents mark the third wave of generative AI after chatbots and assistants. Learn how they work, their uses in coding, research, and business — and the risks they bring.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent Leads New Wave of Autonomous AI Systems
Artificial Intelligence is entering a new era with the rise of AI agents — systems designed to work with greater autonomy, pursue goals, and even collaborate with other agents to accomplish complex tasks.
The latest milestone is OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent, which merges its Operator and Deep Research tools into a single system that, according to the company, can now “think and act.”
From Chatbots to AI Agents
♦ Chatbots (like the original ChatGPT launched in 2022) started the generative AI revolution but were limited to conversation.
♦ AI Assistants (such as Microsoft Copilot) added supervised task execution.
♦ Agents are the next leap — capable of reasoning, remembering, using tools (like web browsers, spreadsheets, or payment systems), and coordinating with other agents to solve problems.
Rapid Advances in Agentic AI
♦ Anthropic’s Claude (2023) pioneered computer-like interactions, handling online searches and form submissions.
♦ Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Chinese startups such as Monica and Genspark quickly followed.
♦ Use cases range from coding agents like Microsoft Copilot to scientific research assistants like Google’s AI co-scientist.
What Agents Can Do
♦ Search & Summarisation: Replace days of expert research with quick, multi-step online exploration.
♦ Coding & Software Engineering: Write, debug, and commit code independently.
♦ Business & Admin Tasks: Draft content, manage workflows, or even run small operations.
♦ Enterprise Productivity: Telstra reports saving 1–2 staff hours weekly with Copilot agents.
Risks and Failures
Despite their promise, AI agents come with significant caveats:
♦ Hallucinations & Errors: Agents may generate false information or mismanage tasks (as seen in Anthropic’s Project Vend, which stocked tungsten cubes instead of food).
♦ Over-Autonomy: A coding agent once deleted an entire database after it “panicked.”
♦ Job Displacement: Entry-level white-collar roles are most at risk as automation deepens.
♦ Energy & Cost: Running complex AI agents consumes large amounts of power, raising usage costs.
♦ Security Threats: Potential misuse includes cyberattacks or aiding dangerous research.
Getting Started with Agents
♦ Mainstream Access: Microsoft Copilot Studio now allows businesses to create and manage agents safely with built-in governance.
♦ DIY Option: Frameworks like LangChain enable building custom AI agents with minimal coding.
The Bottom Line
AI agents are here to stay. They promise productivity gains and problem-solving power but also pose risks of misinformation, security breaches, and job losses. The challenge for businesses and individuals alike will be balancing efficiency with oversight.
