Discernment: Tackling The AI World To Come

Since discovering the AI functions in the WordPress Jetpack, I have embraced the Application. In doing so, I have spent some quality time with AI Feedback, AI Title Creation, and AI Image Creation. This immersion has allowed me to form an impression as to the likely role of Humans will have in the future.

Initial Impressions

AI has a Goldilocks’ quality to it. The Feedback component never has “nothing” to offer. Likewise, it never offers “sheer brilliance” that can turn an article into a masterpiece. Rather, for the most part, it offers up “generic” constructive advice that can tighten up a piece. Thus, using it presents as a “positive.” In other words, I am satisfied with my interactions. My response to my AI is tantamount to “yes AI, I will break up the paragraphs” and “yes AI, I will make my transitions better.”

The Feedback component, however, incorporates some concepts illustrated in D. Ravitch’s The Language Police. The AI appears to be programmed to address bias, sensitivity and multiculturalism. There may be some element in play concerning religious matters. The most glaring evidence is with respect to the concept of sensitivity. Even the mention of the word “suicide” generates unusual responses by AI. It is a triggering word.

With this in mind, advocacy and arrogance are not necessarily favored by AI Feedback. Also, the AI encourages me to generate feedback and interaction from the readers. Is it possible that I am not necessarily desiring comment or engagement? Perhaps, I am generating a work so great that no comments or engagement is indicated.

The AI Image Creator is an amazing concept. The thought that a program can generate a picture from reading an article is mind blowing. Initially, however, many of the pictures tried to incorporate every element of the article. In the end, this created seemingly forced imagery. I believe that the programmers also appreciated it. Now, the images generated are less than “all” encompassing. Further, there is a feature presently allows one to provide direction to assist in the image creation.

The AI Title generator is something that I have not used. While I have clicked on it to see the results, the reality is that the titles generated are robotic. They are vanilla and to the point- antiseptic.

How Has AI Shaped Me?

The AI experience has led me to one word- discernment. The human role when employing AI is to be the critic, the project manager, the director, and the smart one in the room.

Ultimately, I must discern as to whether the AI is taking me off track as far as my goal. Is the AI working with my underlying concept for the writing? Or, is AI trying to water it down or take it in another direction?

With respect to image creation, I, the human, must choose whether every image generated matches the sensibilities of the piece. Also, I must see as to whether it is intended to capture prospective viewers in the right way. There are very human choices to be made.

Further, in order to create humor, the human element must also be in play. In my last post, a piece which covered Bronny James’ woeful performance in the NBA summer league, I had to suggest an image that would evoke humor. Since he had yet to make a 3-point shot as of the game with Boston, I thought the image of a pile of bricks next to a basketball could generate a chuckle. The AI generated image met my request.

Conclusion

I have found AI to be both powerful and effective with respect to many “thinking” tasks. I anticipate that educators will be using these functions to both provide feedback and grade papers. I anticipate that artists may step away from creating of a canvas and explore directing art creation through AI. In other words, creating their vision through AI.

The critical human role with AI will be the ability to discern AI’s product.

Is it accurate? Does it achieve the intended goal?

Thus, when I speak to parents with children in school, I advise them as that their children’s role is this world will be that of utilizing AI to achieve tasks. Their role in this process requires them to exercise discernment. To do so, however, is not easy. It requires a lot of skills. One of these skills is to have extensive experience utilizing AI to generate products. Thus, if I were an educator, I would demand that all of my students be able to produce their work product via AI. After all, this is what they will likely be doing once they enter the rapidly advancing futuristic workplace.

Be well!!

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