How to be smart about artificial intelligence!
“AI is taking over” is a common refrain these days, as artificial intelligence infiltrates more and more of our everyday lives. While there are advantages to its use in both our personal lives and business applications, AI also has areas of concern, such as its impact on the environment and its effect on our ability to think critically. So is it OK to use it to simplify and improve tasks, or should it be used sparingly? For insight, we turned to Eric Allen, the associate chair of creative technology at SCAD Atlanta, who oversees the campus’ AI curriculum.
Just how prevalent is AI these days?
It’s been reported that roughly 77% of people are using AI on a daily basis but only 50% are aware of it. AI has been in our lives for years, but people usually associate it with the recent appearance of agents like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Applications like Alexa, Uber, Google, Waze, Apple Maps and customer service bots are all run by AI.
What are some useful ways AI can make our lives easier?
AI does a great job at synthesizing information, whether it’s digesting long-form podcasts and videos or creating a step-by-step breakdown for a recipe. It’s never been easier to effectively source and organize information. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, AI can create a curated itinerary tailored to your specific interests, like prioritizing mountain villages with short hikes to travertine quarries. It’s also a fantastic tool for improving workflow. I use it all the time to complete smaller steps in larger projects.
What’s one of your worries about AI?
I’m skeptical of companionship based devices based on how they can psychologically affect us. However, it could be helpful for older adults to have a physical or digital companion to help them in their daily lives, especially in times of emergency or to address loneliness.
Can AI weaken creativity and problem-solving?
We must be very careful how we interact with AI. Parents should be aware that students may offload cognitive tasks and that critical thinking is invaluable as we move into this new age. Since this technology is continually evolving, it could be harmful for someone to become psychologically or emotionally dependent on it.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when using AI?
They can get complacent in sharing personal information. Always ask yourself if this is something that you wouldn’t mind if a larger group of people knew about. If you want to share sensitive data, pay for a plan that has robust privacy and data-use restrictions.
What are the warning signs that an AI response might be wrong, misleading or fabricated?
Never assume an AI response is the final factual explanation. Models are getting smarter, and results should be getting more and more correct over time, but always cross-check with other reputable sources to verify the data.
How do we balance taking advantage of AI’s benefits and protecting ourselves from its downsides?
AI is like a chainsaw. We must learn how to use it effectively and safely. It can do so much good work, or it can make a mess. Don’t be nervous to jump in; increasing your knowledge is critical. When you’re aware of the potential dangers and are armed with education and training, using AI can be a very positive experience.
