Artificial and Real Intelligence

“Artificial intelligence helps us imagine who we are.” I listened as my coworker shared ideas from her conference presentation. After our meeting ended, I scribbled her words on a notebook to review later.

How do you make use of AI? Are you hesitant or jumping in to use the tools without inhibition?

On some levels, I’ve been reluctant and skeptical about AI’s shortcuts to research, productivity, and creativity. I use Grammarly for editing assistance, but outsourcing human thinking to computers, algorithms, and networks feels counterintuitive to authenticity. But, I also get the need for ease and efficiency.

In Common’s song, The Dreamer, Maya Angelou warns us to be careful: “Before you found your brain got lazy.”

Typing or speaking a prompt into a database and receiving an answer within seconds takes away from the difficult and joyous process of forming original ideas. Overusing AI can breed dependency and prevent writers from sharing their unique voices on paper and through screens.

During the conversation with my coworker, we discussed AI’s strengths and weaknesses. She shared how AI can help create images reflective of Afrofuturism, hip-hop, and Kemet. We reviewed samples and I recognized the artistry of her slides.

We also talked about how some students use AI without discretion; their outcomes include poor grades and challenges to developing critical thinking skills.

Is it possible to avoid AI? While we’re contemplating responses to similar questions, students are tapping into the power of AI in schools and at home.

Last Friday, I learned about my middle child’s relationship with ChatGPT. He talks to it and always receives a response. The replies may hold biases, but he finds it helpful.

Keep reading, I have a story to tell you.

My son had Spring Break last week and pleaded to spend at least one day with me at work. His motives had more to do with getting snacks and less with spending time with me.

That admittance is not a plea for sympathy. It’s just real.

Even with his multiple food allergies, he loves to eat. When we arrived at the office, he first asked for the instant oatmeal with maple syrup. Two hours later, he wanted a bag of chips.

Between snack breaks, he spent most of the day in the seat where my coworker sat and shared her views about artificial intelligence. I assigned him a book report while I worked on a draft for an article and handled various responsibilities. He was not allowed to use AI for help with his assignment.

On our way home, he talked about ChatGPT.

He admitted to using it for soccer workouts, homework, answers to random questions, and finding recipes. When he mentioned cooking with ChatGPT, I asked him to tell me more.

He said he took a picture of his favorite foods in the pantry and prompted ChatGPT. “What can I make with these ingredients?” ChatGPT and his mother sitting nearby replied.

The bot gave him multiple meals. My wife said, “Don’t touch any of those foods. I am making something for dinner and need every one of them to cook.”

I laughed at the story and stored the memory.

An AI-generated image of the header picture

Later that evening, he asked me for permission to download the ChatGPT app for his phone. I complied without hesitation. The next morning, I returned to my notebook and changed my coworker’s comment into a question.

If AI can help us reimagine who we are, what’s holding us from using it? The tools have the potential to fix our stories and rewrite history.

George Foreman passed away last weekend. You could skip the research and use Gamma to create an AI PowerPoint presentation in minutes to honor his legacy. Reading about his life, watching a documentary, and creating something organic is also doable.

For now, the choice is yours. If what you create threatens the status quo, your freedom may change.

Overly depending on AI is not the goal or route to pursue on any day. Doing so leads to atrophied brain muscles unable to flex or think for themselves.

Partner with technology to enhance your creativity, skills, and knowledge. Responsible use can help expand the impact of your work.

Think of AI as a supplement. While getting nutrients from whole food sources is always better, vitamins and protein powders can offer some convenient health benefits.

One last note.

Remember, Grammarly has served as one of my editors for years. This decision, consistent writing habits, and human feedback have helped to improve my skills.

If you still think my writing sucks, don’t blame me. Blame the bot!

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This post was previously published on Dr. Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD and is republished on Medium.

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