Artificial Intelligence vs. Regular Intelligence

 

We are in a time when Artificial Intelligence is no longer a science fiction movie plot but a part of life and a topic of discussion in the news, in stores, and at ladies’ groups. (Note that I will be using the abbreviation AI in this blog. If you find yourself reading it as “Al,” a name, and not AI, the abbreviation, please know that you are not alone. I spent some time wandering why Al knew so much.)

At 72 years old, I’ve lived through rotary phones, typewriters, cassette tapes, and the great mystery of programming a VCR. So, when someone first mentioned “artificial intelligence,” I half expected a robot to knock on my door and introduce itself as Harold with an offer to rearrange my spice cabinet and my life.

I have used AI (my particular tool of choice is ChatGPT) and have found it to be a very patient assistant who answers questions without sighing and never says “you already asked that.” It can compose a letter, translate a doctor’s information, and provide a recipe. It is like Googling something but with a little more finesse and fewer ads. However, I am aware of the cautions. I understand that it is not all-knowing, it is not always right, and it definitely does not replace common sense.

There are times I would not use AI

There are many concerns about the lack of integrity when using AI in some settings. Educators depend on programs that can read a student’s work to determine if it was produced by the student or by AI. Politicians are using it to create false videos to impact elections. And in sales, let me assure you that Tom Hanks did not film a message about how he has avoided memory loss.

This raises questions about whether authors, artists, musicians, actors, and other creators have actually given permission for their work to be used and whether they have been credited appropriately or paid the royalties they deserve.

AI is not all bad—but we should question when it is used appropriately and when it is not, how much we should depend on it, and who is really in charge.

And there are times when I would use AI

Such as when I need help making my life a little easier.

This week, I asked CHATGPT how long a prepared baked potato could be left on the counter before cooking. (Answer: Less time than I had guessed.)

I asked for more information when my doctor said my sodium was high. What is the best way to reduce it? (Answer: Give up everything that tastes good.)

I asked for suggestions on how to minimize dust on my patio table. (Answer: Cover with a cloth or dust more often. I will just try microfiber cloths.)

I am using AI as a tool. And like any tool, it’s most useful when you know what it can, or can’t, or shouldn’t do. After a lifetime of figuring things out the hard way, I appreciate the help.