Introduction
The subject of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of society and humanity has fascinated people for decades. From the visionary works of Isaac Asimov to the blockbuster movies like “The Terminator” and “Blade Runner,” AI has captured our imagination. However, until recently, AI remained largely confined to the realm of science fiction. With the emergence of AI-based applications like ChatGPT, the general population now has access to the power of AI. In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences with ChatGPT and argue for its responsible and beneficial use.
AI’s Influence in Everyday Life
AI has quietly become a part of our daily lives without us always realizing it. Before the rise of applications like ChatGPT, we were already using AI in various forms. For instance, speech-to-text software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking allowed users to dictate papers and essays. This technology had to learn to recognize individual voices, process spoken words, and convert them into text. Similarly, predictive text keyboard software made its way into smartphones, tablets, and computers, enabling users to type faster and more efficiently. These AI-driven tools have proven invaluable for individuals with disabilities or those who need assistance in their educational pursuits.
In my own experience, without the availability of these tools, I would have faced significant barriers to fully participating in mainstream education. Thanks to the support of dictation and predictive text technology, I was able to attend college, graduate, and even receive awards for my academic projects. While some educators initially had reservations about the use of such tools, their benefits became apparent, and now it is commonplace for students to utilize their personal devices for educational purposes.
The Rise of ChatGPT and its Impact
With the advent of AI applications like ChatGPT, we now find ourselves in uncharted territory. There are concerns among skeptics that AI will surpass human capabilities, rendering certain professions obsolete, and potentially leading to disastrous consequences. On the other hand, some enthusiasts view AI as humanity’s ultimate savior, capable of solving global issues like hunger and environmental catastrophe. However, both extremes are currently beyond the capabilities of AI.
ChatGPT, like other AI technologies, is simply a tool that can be used for both positive and negative purposes. As a professional and hobbyist writer, I have found ChatGPT to be a valuable virtual assistant. It helps me structure blog posts, create podcast episode descriptions, and develop plot ideas for my writing projects. The possibilities seem endless. By harnessing ChatGPT as a tool, I have become more productive, creative, and have even overcome writer’s block. Although concerns about potential bias or unintended political correctness exist, I have chosen to master the AI instead of letting it master me.
The Future of AI: Choices and Considerations
As AI technology continues to advance, important questions arise regarding its regulation, integration into our lives, and its role in education, politics, free speech, and other domains. These topics are currently being debated and explored. While I may not have all the answers, I firmly believe that AI should be democratized and mastered by all of humanity to ensure its responsible and ethical use. Failure to do so may result in the misuse of AI for nefarious purposes, leading to our own enslavement or even extinction as a species.
Conclusion
AI has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to an integral part of our reality. The emergence of applications like ChatGPT has given individuals access to the power of AI. By sharing my positive experience with ChatGPT and advocating for its responsible use, I hope to contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding AI’s future. It is up to us to determine how we regulate and integrate this technology
Sam Whitfield 