On AI (again) because it's a big topic
On AI (again) because it's a big topic
My interview with ChatGPT
When I think about the impacts of using Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in creative pursuits and general communication, I feel a deep sadness. Not because I think technology will completely eradicate creativity and philosophical inquiry but because I think AGI technologies that are currently being rolled out as “more efficient” will reduce many individuals’ capacities for growth and expansion.
More specifically, I think it will thwart the human ability to problem solve and cultivate the patience and focus needed to build resilience and come to new realizations. What's easy and convenient stalls the growth of an otherwise curious mind. If we become over-reliant on crowd-sourced data and logic-based algorithms to come up with all answers or do the “busy work” that cultivates patience (and offers the payoff that comes with difficulties), humans will stop contributing new ideas and being able to relate to each other. To me, reliance on AGI is like stopping time.
That said, maybe I’m paranoid. So I asked ChatGPT what it thought.
Hey, ChatGPT, will humans lose empathy as a result of using AI?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that people will lose empathy as a direct result of AI. In fact, AI has the potential to enhance empathy in a number of ways. For example, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide emotional support and companionship to people who may otherwise be isolated or lonely. AI can also be used to analyze large amounts of data related to social issues, such as poverty and healthcare, which can help to identify and address disparities and improve outcomes for marginalized communities.
However, it is possible that the over-reliance on AI and technology in general could lead to a decline in face-to-face social interaction, which is an important factor in the development and expression of empathy. Additionally, there are concerns that the increasing use of AI in fields such as law enforcement and healthcare could result in a lack of human empathy and bias in decision-making.
Oh, well whew! Thank you. Maybe we have nothing to worry about then. Except maybe “the over-reliance on AI and technology in general could lead to a decline in face-to-face social interaction, which is an important factor in the development and expression of empathy” and “lack of human empathy and bias in decision-making” in fields like law enforcement. NBD.
So, ChatGPT, what about creativity and resilience?
AI can be used to automate routine and repetitive tasks, freeing up more time for humans to focus on more creative endeavors. This can help to increase overall productivity and allow humans to explore new areas of creativity and innovation.
Ultimately, the impact of AI on human creativity will depend on how it is used and implemented. If AI is used as a tool to support and augment human creativity, it is likely to enhance rather than diminish our creative abilities.
Well that too is a relief, right? ChatGPT will enhance creativity if used as a “tool to support and augment human creativity.” At least it doesn’t reduce our ability to problem solve, focus and grow. So, ChatGPT, how do we do that as writers?
AI can be a valuable tool for writers, helping them to automate certain routine tasks such as proofreading and editing, and providing new avenues for creative inspiration. In this way, AI can be used to augment and enhance human creativity, rather than replace it.
Okay, okay, final question. You said it would automate certain routine tasks such as proofreading and editing. I’m curious, what are the benefits of proofreading and editing for the human brain?
Proofreading and editing can be beneficial for the human brain in several ways. Here are a few examples:
Enhancing attention to detail: Proofreading and editing require a high level of attention to detail and focus. This can help to enhance cognitive skills such as concentration and attention to detail, which can be useful in many other areas of life.
Improving language skills: Proofreading and editing involve a deep understanding of language, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. This can help to improve language skills and expand one's vocabulary, which can be useful in communication and in other areas of life.
Boosting problem-solving skills: Proofreading and editing often require creative problem-solving skills to identify and correct errors in writing. This can help to develop critical thinking skills and enhance problem-solving abilities, which can be useful in many areas of life.
Reducing stress: Correcting errors in writing can be a satisfying and rewarding activity, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Overall, proofreading and editing can be a useful and beneficial activity for the human brain, helping to improve cognitive skills, language abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall mental well-being.
Ah, well, thanks for taking those pesky perks off our plate, ChatGPT.
Recently, in a class visit to Otterbein to read from We Arrive Uninvited, a student asked me what I’d tell my former self if I were to go back and offer some writing advice.
I thought about my broke-ass younger self in a one-bedroom apartment, trying to ignore the stomping in the unit above me as I wrote disjointed and self-indulgent sentences. Somewhat jokingly but entirely honestly, I answered, “I’d tell her to ‘Hang in there, champ’,” and then I explained why.
The difficulties of the journey are what made the completion of this work meaningful. I wouldn’t trade a lesson I learned along the way for a shortcut for anything. Meanwhile, I guarantee if you’d offered my younger self this tech and said it was a rocket ship to take me to my goals, I would’ve tried it. Just write this one chapter, maybe a few . . .
Having gone through the slow and painstaking journey, I feel true joy for having created something that will resonate on a human level with someone, and maybe with a few people. Or more than a few people. I feel that same joy for those I piss off or make uncomfortable with its contents. Because I gained the confidence over the years to broach nuanced and human questions.
The difficulties of our creative journeys contain the magic of our journeys. I hope you’ll consider that before asking AI to write a story for you to tweak and submit as your own. You’re missing the entire point. And you’re missing so, so much more.
When I asked the students at Otterbein what they thought of ChatGPT, there was some recoiling and some more shrugs and waves of hands. To be honest, this response of waving the tech away gives me more hope than anything.
The young ones know, right? Or do they? Did I?
Human or not, feel free to let me know what you think in the chat. :)
*Note: After writing this on Saturday, my friend Jim Coe posted this video to social media. My concerns seem mild.
Ditto, Jen, liking how your Chatboy talked out both sides of his ass on the features of AI, removing the burden of proofing/ hailing the benefits of the editing process.
Interesting facts on proofreading. I’ve been letting my copy editor handle that….I would’ve told my younger self to spend less effort on work and more on writing/ reading. The place to go above and beyond is your writing/craft/art.