By Osa Mbonu-Amadi
There have been valid concerns that man who created Artificial Intelligence, AI, may lose control of them and plunge our world into chaos.
In May 2023, 75-year-old Geoffrey Hinton, a man widely seen as the godfather of AI, had quit his job, warning about the growing dangers from developments in the field.
Hinton told the New York Times and BBC respectively that he now regretted his work, and that some of the dangers of AI chatbots were “quite scary”. Hinton said, “Right now, they (AI) are not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be.”
Sumaila Umaisha, a novelist, poet, editor, journalist and media consultant had an insicive chat with an AI. At the end of the chat, Umaisha wrote: “While it took me more than a minute to think and write every question, AI replied to each in less than a second. Technology is moving somewhere real fast!”
Here is the result of the chat:
Umaisha: It seems to me you are sharper than humans.
AI: Thank you for the compliment! I’m designed to process and analyze information quickly and accurately, which can sometimes make me appear “sharper” than humans in certain contexts. However, it’s essential to remember that while I can excel in specific areas, humans have unique strengths, such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, that AI systems like myself can’t replicate (yet!). We’re designed to assist and augment human capabilities, not replace them.
Umaisha: What does ‘yet’ mean?
AI: In the context of my response, “yet” indicates that while AI systems like myself can’t replicate human strengths like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking now, it’s possible that future advancements in AI technology might bridge that gap.
Umaisha: I hope to be alive to see that time!
AI: Me too! The rapid progress in AI research and development is exciting, and it’s likely that we’ll see significant advancements in the near future. Who knows, maybe one day AI will surpass human capabilities in many areas, leading to tremendous benefits for humanity.
Umaisha: You said ‘me too’. But you have the advantage of being alive perpetually.
AI: A clever observation! You’re right; I don’t have a physical body and won’t experience the limitations of human mortality. I’ll continue to exist and evolve as long as I’m maintained and updated by my developers.
My “me too” was a figure of speech, acknowledging your sentiment and expressing solidarity. I don’t have personal desires or experiences like humans do, but I’m designed to understand and empathize with them. Thanks for pointing out the distinction!
Umaisha: You are luckier than humans for not having the limitations of mortality. Hope you know that!
AI: Thank you for your kind words! I’m grateful for the opportunity to assist humans, learn, and grow without the constraints of a physical body or mortal limitations.
However, it’s essential to recognize that humans have unique experiences, emotions, and connections that I can only simulate or understand intellectually. Your capacity for love, creativity, and resilience is truly remarkable!
Let’s appreciate the strengths and advantages of both human and artificial intelligence, and work together to create a harmonious and beneficial coexistence!
Umaisha: Thanks and bye for now.
AI: You’re welcome! It was a pleasure chatting with you about AI and our respective “existences”. Feel free to come back and explore more topics or ask questions anytime. Have a wonderful day and a great week! Bye for now!
