AI ‘gold rush’ for chatbot training data could run out of human-written text – Anchorage Daily News
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a prevalent topic in recent news, often viewed with a mix of awe and apprehension. Elise Patkotak shares her perspective on the matter, offering a critical take on AI and its increasing presence in our lives.
AI’s Intrusion into Daily Life
AI is everywhere. Every time you call a service line, an AI voice answers. It’s not a human on the other end, but a programmed bot that can only respond to specific queries. Patkotak recounts her frustrations with these interactions, often finding herself yelling for a real person. She describes the feeling of speaking to a disembodied voice that can’t comprehend or respond to questions outside its programmed script. This lack of human touch leaves many, including Patkotak, feeling exasperated and unheard.
Election Concerns and AI
As the election season approaches, the concern shifts to the authenticity of the voices we hear. Paul Carpenter, who was hired to use AI software to imitate President Joe Biden’s voice, exemplifies this issue. The fear is that AI could be used to manipulate voters by mimicking political figures. This adds a layer of difficulty for voters, who now must discern whether they are hearing real statements or AI-generated ones.
The Challenge of Democracy
Democracy is inherently demanding because it requires active participation and critical thinking. In contrast, dictatorships discourage independent thought, making governance straightforward but oppressive. The intrusion of AI into politics complicates democracy further. It raises the question of whether voters can make informed decisions if they are potentially being misled by AI-generated content.
Keeping Summer Enjoyable
Despite these concerns, Patkotak urges people not to let AI and politics ruin their summer. Summer is a time to relax, enjoy outdoor activities, and take a break from the stresses of daily life. She suggests tuning out political noise and AI disruptions to focus on enjoying the season. There will be ample time in the fall to engage with political debates and election campaigns.
Balancing Technology and Leisure
The key to a pleasant summer lies in balancing the unavoidable presence of technology with leisure activities. By pushing politics to the periphery and not allowing AI to dominate our thoughts, we can preserve the essence of summer. Whether it’s grilling burgers or enjoying fresh corn on the cob, maintaining a separation between relaxation and the political noise can make for a more enjoyable season.
Elise Patkotak’s column highlights a critical view of AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human touch in our increasingly automated world. Her advice to prioritize relaxation and enjoyment over political concerns offers a refreshing perspective as we head into summer.
#AI #SummerRelaxation #TechFrustrations #ElectionSeason #EnjoyLife