Thanks for the kind words, over the last week. Life happens, right? Here, life included some sickness and an eye surgery. Trust me! I’m sure I missed this part of my Tuesdays and Thursdays much more than you did. So, Lord willing, back at it!
I don’t know if you’re paying attention or not, but in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm. How have you responded?
For some reason, people wonder about my thoughts and/or responses to various things. AI is just one of those that has recently made the list. All too often, I would be quick to respond with my thoughts. However, I’m trying to be disciplined about timing. In other words, I like to ask a few questions before I respond.
Hmmm. What do you think?
Tell me your thoughts about it.
or
I’ve got some ideas, but I’d like to hear yours before I offer my own.
The Good
Whether you realize it or not, robots have been around for decades. There’s a machine that when programmed can vacuum your floors, before you arrive home. “Alexa” can listen and play the song, book, or podcast I request. And a drone - especially one of quality - can be a great hobby.
The Bad
Perhaps it should go without saying, but I’m led to say it anyway. Robots only do what robots are programmed to do. That is, the vacuum has sensors telling it where and when to clean. Alexa won’t make her own decisions. She simply responds to commands. And a drone, while fun when used as a hobby, can also be used for nefarious means (I remember a television news anchor reporting neighbors spying on neighbors with drones years ago).
The Ugly
The faster our society “evolves” (note the quotation marks because this kind of evolution might be suspect), the better technology becomes. There’s a nerd somewhere working on the latest and greatest digital device that will make human interaction obsolete. For example, a reclusive person can order groceries online and have them delivered to the front door without interacting with another person. That person can meet with a doctor miles away and have prescription medicines sent to their home. Sounds great, right? Convenient for sure. But I’m not sure it’s all that great.
Did you realize drones are being used to kill and destroy people groups? It’s “safer.” Much less investment. After all, drones don’t eat like soldiers. They need very few breaks. And if they’re destroyed? No big deal. There’s no blood. And the next one is ready to take their post. But oh, the damage they can do!
Artificial Intelligence - my first thought is that is an oxymoron. In other words, how can something be intelligent, if that something is artificial? It must be programmed! Secondly, AI is here to stay. Because of convenience, we’ve created a monster. And the monster isn’t going away. In fact, the things the monster will be able to do will be “better” or much more impressive.
So here are some options.
You can wring your hands, claim the world is going you know where at a rapid pace, and want to return to “the good ol’ days.” That’s your prerogative. God is still in charge. He’s not surprised. And the days of which you remember might not be as good as you think.
You can bury your head in the sand, despair about the end of days, and blame everything you disagree with on those much less intelligent than yourself. This option doesn’t sound very promising nor wise.
You might consider the good things technology offers, while also being aware of the potential of abuse. It’s not the fault of technology (AI). It just is. We are broken people, living in a broken world, and attempting to find joy using broken things. This option requires reflecting on who you are and your motivation for doing what you do. I’ve read somewhere that boundaries are healthy and necessary at times. My experience is that it’s true.
There you have it! Of course, I have a few more thoughts. But they’re “half-baked” and likely need some further research.
Peace.
Hope you are recovered soon. Eye surgery sounds painful. We’ve been using AI for years…. Every internet search… but suddenly it is evil. Like all good things it can be used for evil as you noted. It’s not going anywhere as long as someone can profit from it.
Being "Seasoned with life's experiences" I'm not excited about AI. I know it can be a good thing but as you called it, I believe it may become a real monster. I'm glad God is in charge and whatever comes our way, he knows. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.