AI, the scary future!

This is my second post about AI; the first was positive and upbeat. I was impressed with ChatGPT’s capabilities and saw it opening new ways of doing creative work. I still think that is possible, but the writer and actor strikes are showing the dark side of its use. Scanning actors once and having total control over their image forever seems creepy. Netflix’s plans for using AI seem to further this trend.

AI could be one most powerful technological changes in history. It will displace workers in a large number of areas; the question is what happens to those displaced. “The Luddites were a secret organisation of workers who smashed machines in the textile factories of England in the early 1800s, a period of increasing industrialisation, economic hardship due to expensive conflicts with France and the United States, and widespread unrest among the working class. They took their name from the apocryphal tale of Ned Ludd, a weaver’s apprentice who supposedly smashed two knitting machines in a fit of rage.” However, while the machines displaced workers and caused suffering, new jobs were created by industrialization and standards of living rose in response to increased efficiency. The question is will this pattern repeat itself, or is AI a completely different beast.

What happens if it replaces jobs and does not create new ones for those displaced? What if the new jobs require skills and abilities that exclude a great many people? I have no doubt that there will be jobs in the future that we can not currently imagine, but will they be only for the few? What happens to those left behind by the forces of technology. Do we enter a world where AI and technology allow a great many people to live lives free of work, where we all receive some sort of Universal Basic Income or do those displaced become a permanent underclass.

I don’t pretend to know where any of this is going, but I hope we avoid a future where humans do crap jobs and while AIs create our cultural products.

What do you think, are we headed to a UBI utopia or a hellscape where a small elite benefits and the rest of us are left without meaningful work and live much poorer lives than we currently do? I hope for the best but fear the worst.

Generative AI: Becoming the Digital DJ of Textual Creation

Hey there! We live in a thrilling time where generative AI, like chat GPT, is changing the game. I can’t help but draw a comparison to the DJs of old, who skillfully mixed tracks to create unforgettable experiences. Now, being adept at using and recognizing the potential of generative AI is like being a DJ in the digital realm. So, let’s dive in and explore how we can ride this wave and separate the gems from the noise.

Photo by Aleksandr Neplokhov on Pexels.com

Riding the Generative AI Wave: Imagine having a personal assistant, a customer service chatbot, or even a writing companion that can generate human-like responses. That’s the power of generative AI! It opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and problem-solving. But here’s the thing: just like a DJ curates the best tracks, we need to understand the strengths and limitations of generative AI. The ability to iterate ideas is like the DJs’ ability to play with beat and tempo. 

Finding the Beat: Generative AI models are impressive but have quirks. They might spit out biased or inaccurate information and need help understanding the context. So, we need to be discerning and not take everything at face value. Think of generative AI as a helpful sidekick, not an all-knowing oracle.

Fine-Tuning the Mix: As DJs refine their mixes, we must evaluate and refine the outputs of generative AI. It’s crucial to question the responses’ relevance, accuracy, and coherence. We can fact-check the information it provides and compare it with reliable sources. And hey, if we notice biases or ethical concerns, it’s on us to address them responsibly. 

Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: Like DJs create unique experiences, we can tap into generative AI to boost our creativity. It can be a fantastic tool for brainstorming, story writing, or even pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Think of it as an assistant who sparks ideas, but remember, the magic is in how we weave those ideas together.

Riding Responsibly: In this wild ride, staying grounded and responsible is crucial. Generative AI isn’t a substitute for genuine human understanding and experience. So, let’s take its suggestions with a grain of salt, fact-check diligently, and ensure we’re using it ethically. 

Ignore the Doubters: There will be many who claim that this new form of collaboration is all the machine or there is no real art or skill, just like those who dismiss the artistry of the DJs. 

Conclusion: We live in an era where generative AI is transforming how we interact with technology. Just like the DJs of old, we can skillfully ride this wave, curating meaningful experiences. So, here’s to embracing the possibilities and letting our inner DJs shine as we navigate this exciting new world of generative AI. Let’s mix things up and make magic happen!