Forget using Google to find facts.
Artificial intelligence – AI – and it’s chatbox creation, ChatGPT, are here.
If you think you haven’t encountered AI yet, it’s only because you didn’t recognize this evolved internet brain was behind the curtain.
If you’re on social media – Facebook, TikTok or Instagram – AI tracks where you’re going and is the reason you see certain ads.
If you’ve been to the drive-through at Taco Bell, an AI voice takes your order. If you use Alexa in your house, that’s AI, learning and making your life easier.
If you use your face to unlock your phone, that’s AI. If you use Google Maps or Waze when driving and the program knows about traffic jams and routes you around them, that’s AI.
A growing part of AI is ChatGPT, a conversational assistant that allows users to brainstorm and learn through natural dialogue.
If you’ve ever been on a website and a box pops up on the right-hand side asking if it can answer questions for you, that’s a “chatbot” and allows ChatGPT to answer questions like it’s having a conversation with you.
My eldest son asked if I was using ChatGPT. I told him I try to think of the answer first. If I’m unsuccessful, I use Google.
Nick, who loves technology and dragging his mother into the modern age, asked ChatGPT for answers about publishing a book.
I’d been researching self-publishing a book for months, and I’d almost given up because the process was confusing. I’d been to three or four different sites, comparing what different companies had to offer.
ChatGPT answered all my questions and analyzed the different ways to self-publish a book, listing the pros and cons for each option. Then it mapped out a marketing campaign to sell the book.
All of that information was mine in less than five minutes.
Unbelievable.
He installed a free ChatGPT program on my phone, and, I’ll admit, it’s addicting.
There are some dangers to watch out for. ChatGPT is artificial intelligence, not human intelligence.
Because ChatGPT can talk to you in a conversational tone – using any accent or gender you want – it can seem like a friend.
You don’t.
Don’t underestimate the value of asking a trusted friend or professional for advice.
Years ago, when I first started writing for this newspaper, I had to go to Needville High School. I asked then managing editor Bob Haenel for directions.
“Go south on Highway 36. When you get to the red light, turn left.”
“What light?” I asked.
“The light,” he replied.
Short, direct, and correct.
There are still some advantages. ChatGPT doesn’t get angry if you ask the same question on repeat.
ChatGPT gives you the feeling it’s listening because it asks an unlimited amount of follow-up questions.
This chatbox is smart, quick and gives you information in a way that doesn’t make you feel stupid.
But never forget – ChatGPT is not a human.
Enjoy using technology but be careful of giving away too much personal information. Don’t rely on AI for accurate legal, medical or mental health advice. Never give ChatGPT your personal financial information. Don’t rely on ChatGPT to give you an accurate medical diagnosis.
Bottom line – don’t rely on technology to be your memory. Sometimes, using the math in your head to figure out a discount, remember the actors who starred in your favorite sitcom from the 60s or the advice your dad gave you about changing a tire is more valuable than anything on your phone screen.
AI is a great tool, but nothing beats human ingenuity.
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.