AI: Transforming Our World and Challenging Our Skills
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a significant topic of discussion, sparking both fascination and concern among the general population. While many view AI as a futuristic concept, the truth is that we have been using it in our daily lives for years, often without even realizing it. From using a remote control to change television channels to relying on traffic direction apps like Waze, AI has quietly become a part of our routines. Even interacting with virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa involves utilizing AI technology.
In recent years, AI has taken on a new role that has both intrigued and unnerved us. Its capabilities now encompass rapid-fire research and writing, enabling school papers that would have previously taken days or weeks to be completed in mere minutes or seconds. While this may seem incredible, it also raises concerns about the impact on vital skills like critical thinking, basic English, and good writing.
Embracing the AI revolution, I decided to delve deeper into this technology. My tool of choice was ChatGPT by OpenAI, one of the most popular AI applications available today. Other noteworthy options include Google’s Bard, Amazon’s Lex, and Microsoft’s Copilot. As someone who has always embraced technological advancements, I was just as excited about AI as I had been when transitioning from a manual typewriter to an IBM Selectric or from a mainframe computer to a desktop.
However, I approached AI with caution, aware of the potential implications. To test its capabilities, I asked ChatGPT a few basic questions about myself. While the response provided a partially accurate description of my career as a journalist and educator spanning over three decades, it also included some incorrect information. Unfortunately, ChatGPT failed to recognize my current place of work and the various institutions where I have taught journalism. It even wrongly attributed my induction into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame.
The growing prevalence of AI is undeniable. According to a recent report from a technology industry association, 35% of businesses are already utilizing AI, with an additional 42% considering its implementation. This means that most of us will soon be working alongside AI or directly utilizing it in our own professional lives.
While I remain enthusiastic about the potential benefits of AI, particularly AI writing, I share the concerns voiced by many. Over 350 engineers, executives, and researchers who work with AI recently formed a group called the Center for AI Safety. They issued a warning, stating that mitigating the risks associated with AI should be a global priority comparable to addressing other major threats such as pandemics and nuclear war. While the term extinction may seem extreme, it serves as a reminder that new technologies always bring new challenges.
Recent legal battles have also shed light on the potential pitfalls of AI. Comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Meta, accusing them of copyright infringement. Silverman, Christopher Golden, and Richard Kadrey claim that their intellectual property was captured by the AI application without their permission.
Despite experimenting with AI writing for this column, it is clear that ChatGPT is not yet capable of replicating my distinctive style. But for those interested, they can find an experiment named Artificial Will Sutton available online.
It is crucial that we take heed of these warnings and establish boundaries to preserve our ability to think critically, read, and write effectively. We must not allow younger generations to become overly reliant on AI tools and overlook essential skills. While there are legitimate concerns, it is important to remember that past technological advancements, such as the introduction of television, satellite radio, DVDs, and streaming services, were also met with skepticism and predictions of extinction for traditional mediums.
As we navigate the future, we must strike a balance between leveraging the advantages of AI and preserving our human capabilities. By doing so, we can ensure that AI remains a tool that enhances our lives rather than replaces our creativity and intellect.
