Check It Out: AI can be both helpful and harmful

By Joan Janzen

The following comments are worth considering. “Being famous on Instagram is basically the same thing as being rich in Monopoly.” And the second one is, “What happens on social media stays on Google forever.”

Now, we’re hearing a lot about AI (Artificial Intelligence), but it consists of machine learning algorithms that were invented years ago. Those algorithms perform millions of tasks, including playing games, writing books, flying planes and drones, and even enabling the lame to walk.

Andy Steiger, who has a PhD in technology, said in an online interview, “If you want to know what a thing is, you have to ask what it was made for.” AI is designed not only to imitate humans but also to enhance them.

It processes the information you input into your devices and knows what you like and what you don’t like. More ads will automatically pop up when you’re looking for an item to buy. Or if you’re looking at travelling somewhere, ads will pop up for that area.

“Technology keeps changing, and we have to have an understanding of it so we can navigate it,” Andy explained. “We want to interact with it in a way that’s helpful not harmful.” For instance he finds AI helpful when he makes a teaching video, which is then translated into different languages with him actually speaking those languages.

Because AI learns what you like to watch on your screen, it continues to feed you more. If you’re not careful, it can become addictive, and you may find it difficult to pull away. What you’re watching can help you acquire knowledge; however, if a young person begins watching pornography, the system will begin feeding them more of the same.

“What can be used for good, can also be used for destructive behaviour,” Andy said. And AI does make mistakes.

Journalist Sharyl Attkisson from the online program Full Measure discovered AI doesn’t always supply factual answers. After receiving a response that she knew was false, she asked AI, “Since you had the correct factual information, why did you cite incorrect facts?”

AI responded by apologizing, “As an AI language model, I do not intentionally provide incorrect information. However, I understand I made errors in my previous responses.”

Sharyl pointed out that somebody had inputted false information into AI. Lesson learned: the answers you receive from AI may not be factual.

And it’s called ‘artificial’ for a reason; it replaces the authentic with something artificial. AI can now use all your data and spit out a virtual girlfriend or boyfriend that can be purchased for a texting relationship with someone who has similar likes and interests. It may sound bizarre, but it’s becoming increasingly popular.

My concern is we get so caught up in AI that we give up on everyday relationships,” Andy said. He pointed out that it can keep you online and prevent you from spending time with your family. It can also cause you to pull away from community, as it creates a counterfeit community.

It may be more convenient to connect with online friends who you have never met. But they probably won’t be the ones to help you in a time of need or in a physical crisis. “Real relationships are hard and challenging, but they help you grow as a person,” Andy said. Real friends keep you accountable in everyday circumstances. “You may become so addicted you prefer living in a counterfeit reality.”

He mentioned a current show called “Alone,” in which they take people out of the community and drop them into the wilderness, where they’re all alone. Andy said, “It doesn’t matter how tough you are; eventually, you’ll break down because of your need for community and relationships.”

Replacing a real human connection with something artificial will never satisfy a person’s need to be loved and appreciated. Or their need to love and appreciate others. It strips away humanity because it’s artificial.

Participating in a community benefits not only you but also others. “Turning inwards becomes very destructive; technology can allow us to do that. We can create virtual worlds that are all about ourselves,” Andy warned.

We’re created to be in relationship with others. As we navigate technology we have to continually ask if it is adding to our relationships or hindering our relationships.

AI can do great things, but it can also be destructive, depending on how we use it. The good life is found in community and with family. Sometimes, we take both for granted.