The launch of ChatGPT has taken the world by storm as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s minds these days. While companies have been leveraging AI for many years, the algorithms powering ChatGPT have created a buzz around its generative ability. With ChatGPT, at the touch of your fingertips, you can ask the AI any question, and it crafts a knowledgeable, human-like response in a matter of seconds.

 

This summer, I visited Prince Edward County and used ChatGPT to help me create a 3-day itinerary. I could not believe its speed and the level of detail in its recommendations. The highlights of the trip included staying at The Royal Hotel, visiting top wineries such as Closson Chase, dining at farm-to-table restaurant Flame + Smith, and swimming at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Much to my disbelief, these were all recommended by ChatGPT!

 

ChatGPT can be used for almost anything and is a game-changer that will improve our productivity and affect how we interact with technology. While it is clear AI holds significant benefits, the other side of the equation makes us wonder, is it too good to be true?

 

Recently, I attended the Munk Debate at Roy Thompson Hall, which brought together AI field experts to tackle one of the world’s biggest concerns today – AI research and development posing an existential threat. While I am not an AI expert, I am excited to share my perspective and findings from the event.

 

A Super Human Intelligence with Self-Preservation Goals

 

One of the arguments against AI poses the theory that AI will evolve into a Super Human Intelligence and overpower humans. AI will outcompete us, so we must adapt to the technological changes. The speakers presented the possibility of AI having self-preservation goals. Think of many typical sci-fi movies; if an AI robot takes over the world, how can we stop it? The experts against AI believe we can’t. This is because the AI will have self-preservation goals, meaning it will do everything possible to prevent humans from destroying it.

 

A New Era of Enlightenment

 

The speakers favouring AI, including Yann Lecun, VP & Chief AI Scientist at Meta, described a new era of enlightenment made possible through AI. AI can never replace humans since it lacks emotions, and since humans are the ones building AI, we have agency; therefore, it can’t destroy us. Intelligence also means insight into one’s goals, meaning the AI would understand what we are trying to achieve. Ultimately, AI will help us with more discoveries that can positively impact the world.

 

Navigating the AI Landscape

 

As a member of the generation that has grown up utilizing and embracing technology, I recognize that AI is designed as a tool to amplify human intelligence and understand its value to our world.

 

During my time at Queen’s University, I was exposed to AI and understood how it can be used “for good.” I co-founded an AI-based start-up that aimed to solve the global issue of food waste. Our team recognized that AI could predict the optimal food supply in grocery stores, which would minimize food waste. That experience taught me that almost any problem can somehow be solved through AI.

 

On the other hand, I also see AI’s potential risks. Data privacy and misinformation are both valid concerns with AI. For example, not everything ChatGPT produces is 100% accurate, so it is best to be cautious when using it.

 

There is also the concern of AI replacing jobs as more tasks become automated. However, AI is merely changing the types of jobs available. Just like the invention of the computer, the internet, and the iPhone, AI is the next disruptor. This means that our society will adapt, just like we have done time and time before. 

 

In due time, AI will also become regulated. As our society needs laws to function, there will be AI regulations, which will help make it much safer to use.

 

One important aspect of the Life Wheel is your Well-Being, which relates to technology, as we seek to ensure you feel at ease with the changes brought forward by AI, and understand the opportunities and acknowledge the risks.

 

When you have a moment, I encourage you to try using ChatGPT if you haven’t already.

 

Need a brain-boosting salmon recipe for dinner? A training plan for your next race? A list of entertaining activities for your kids or grandchildren this summer?

 

Just type in your customized prompt and see all that ChatGPT can do.

 

Let us know what you discover!