Whether We Like It Or Not, AI Is Real

and it’s happening fast

Years ago, I was afraid of the idea of artificial intelligence. Most of the science fiction works that I’d happened upon by curiosity or by chance only frightened me more. The idea of robots taking over seemed to be the primary thread among sci-fi creators. Machines are developing a mind of their own and taking over the world in a heartless vengeance to give humans a taste of their own medicine.

They sold a pretty convincing story. It could all be possible.

Truth be told, science fiction scared me. Aliens and robots or anything unhuman — it was beyond my scope of happiness and safety.

When I was growing up, the cartoon The Jetsons did a wonderful job of making life with a robot seem awesome. Judy was the best housewife-caretaker-friend anyone could ask for. Waking up to the sound of a machine that spoke to you rather than a blaring alarm was charming. Cars in auto-pilot, full-on meetings from the comforts of your own office, everyday life looked easier and sweeter.

I remember fantasizing about having a talking dog myself. Even though most of Rover’s words began with rolled r’s, you could still understand him and he speaks to you, and that’s just heaven for a dog-loving enthusiast like me.

So there was another side to artificial intelligence.

Maybe we didn’t have to anticipate the apocalyptic gloom that gave me nightmares. Perhaps humans and human-like creatures could coexist that wouldn’t lead to our destruction.

In a perfect world, artificial intelligence would complement human intelligence.

What mankind lacks in stamina and control — limitations inevitable due to our physical conditions and emotional makeup — machines could step in and pick up the pace.

Since robots don’t need sleep or food or even emotional support they may be able to make better decisions, last longer, and go farther than their human counterparts. For instance, when we require a rest or mental health day.

There is the potential also, however, that artificial intelligence could exceed our expectations. It’s this reality that occasionally gnaws at me about the development of artificial intelligence. As AI evolves, it will get smarter. But what does that mean?

It’s science. It’s nature. It’s evolution. In short: Change is inevitable.

Once these thinking things are “alive” and in full operation, it’s possible things could get out of hand. But no one really knows what that looks like.

I guess there’s always the possibility of major upheaval.

There’s also the potential for serious advancements that will propel the human race to be more efficient.

Now, I see both sides.

There’s a reason Alexa is so popular. We like help, and computers are helping us.

I, for one, don’t mind when I’m driving, and Maps suggests a faster route while I’m en route to my destination without my having to even glance at my phone. Computer, stay with me, you helpful little friend.

Still, I get how AI can feel intimidating as well. Anything that’s new and unfamiliar can spike our spidey senses to be suspicious and approach with caution.

We think they might take our jobs away.

But are they replacing the jobs that are developing or enriching our creativity?

Perhaps there’s a hidden benefit.

One thing I witnessed during the pandemic was an explosion of self-projects. Self-made businesses or products or books or courses or pages. The list goes on.

The creativity channel was activated for a lot of folks. That could be possible if more people are forced out of their comfort zone.

I think AI will be the start of a change to the way things are done around here. And, maybe it won’t be so bad after all.

Well, future. This should be interesting.

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Thanks, and Cheers!