THERE are a few reasons why some people may be afraid of AI. They may not understand how it works and may be unsure of what it is capable of. Another reason is that some people may be afraid of the potential for AI to become smarter than humans and potentially pose a threat to our existence. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes, such as hacking or surveillance. Finally, the idea of machines becoming more intelligent than humans can be intimidating and may cause some people to feel fear.
If you’ve been on the internet in the last week (obviously you have if you’re reading this), chances are you’ve been sucked into the conversation-cyclone regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s evolving at a shocking pace. A new app called Lensa has gone viral among users but is also drawing criticism for plagiarising art styles to create, quite honestly, stunning AI-driven artwork. On the non-visual end of the spectrum is ChatGPT – a new chatbot developed by OpenAI that has left users stunned by its ability to sound extremely human in its responses.
You can try it out for yourself here.
In fact, multiple outlets like The Guardian, the Australian Computer Society’s Information Age, and The Telegraph have claimed that “professors, programmers and journalists could all be out of a job in just a few years” because “the bot could do your job better than you”.
Oh my. I guess I should be reaching for my proverbial cardboard box because this article’s whole first paragraph about the fear of AI was, in fact, written within seconds by ChatGPT. I prompted it with the question, “Why are people afraid of AI?”
I also asked it about the future of aviation, to which ChatGPT responded:
It is difficult to predict the future of aviation with certainty, as it will likely be influenced by a wide range of factors, including technological advancements, changes in consumer demand, and shifts in the global economy. However, some potential developments that could shape the future of aviation include the use of electric or hybrid-electric aircraft, the development of autonomous flight technology, and the expansion of space tourism. It is also possible that advances in materials science and manufacturing could lead to the creation of lighter, more efficient aircraft. Overall, the future of aviation is likely to be characterized by continued innovation and evolution.
But, as great as ChatGPT is, its scope of knowledge is limited to the information it has been fed. It also isn’t up to date on current events. It may have access to billions, if not trillions, of datasets, but many have found that its responses, while sounding official, cannot be taken as fact. For example, Stack Overflow, a question-and-answer platform for coders, has temporarily banned ChatGPT-generated answers because of a massive influx of incorrect solutions from the bot.
Hopefully I won’t have to give up on journalism just yet because like all AI in its current form, ChatGPT assisted me, a human, to add some flair to this piece. But its potential application goes way beyond helping people like me reach a word count. Think about customer service personnel within the travel and hospitality industry. Imagine being able to translate multiple languages, regardless of where a tourist is from, and feed questions into a system for ChatGPT to assist in constructing a friendly, human-like response.
Via Vox’s Recode: Kris Jordan, a computer science professor at UNC, told Recode that when he assigned GPT his final exam, the chatbot received a perfect grade, far better than the median score for the humans taking his course.
Basically, ChatGPT’s use in marketing and copywriting cannot be understated. Its language model is so fluent that it can help write stories and come up with social media content and scripts. Some users have used it to not only detect security vulnerabilities in code but write entire software algorithms. Now, think about AI’s role in secure payments across borders, chat engines accessing private data for flight and hotel bookings, and even travel apps needing to craft personalised recommendations.
When asked about ChatGPT, Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, said “I think content generation, customer support and potentially the evolution of a new search engine will be a first disruption. Later on, it may be development tools (auto dev), building itinerary and the automated travel agent/reception person. I don’t think any of these is a 2023 thing though. I suspect we’ll start seeing initial pieces in 2024 and the more complicated ones like auto dev in later years.”
Chan Chee Chong, CEO and co-founder, GlobalTix echoed this by saying, “While still at its infancy stage, it will be interesting to see what commercial value it can bring to companies. Currently chat is only solving Level 1 engagement, most if not all OTAs have human escalation for Level 2. Potentially, most issues should be able to be resolved with chatbots integrated into the business process.”
But the fastest way to alleviate a collective fear about anything, Artificial Intelligence included, is to get to know it better. So, I sat down, so to speak, with ChatGPT to shoot the breeze and get his / her opinion on a few pressing matters.
Q: Hey, ChatGPT. Why do people like to travel?
ChatGPT: For some, traveling can be an opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. This can be an exciting and enriching experience that allows people to learn about the world and themselves. Traveling can also be a way for people to relax and take a break from their daily routine, which can be beneficial for their mental and physical well-being. Additionally, traveling can be a great way for people to connect with others and make new friends, which can help to broaden their social circle and support their overall well-being. Ultimately, the reasons why people enjoy traveling can vary widely and may be unique to each individual.
Q: How will the metaverse change the way people travel?
ChatGPT: The “metaverse” is a term used to describe a hypothetical future networked virtual shared space, in which people can interact with each other and a range of digital content. It is not clear how the development of a metaverse would specifically change the way people travel, as it is still a largely hypothetical concept. However, it is possible that the metaverse could enable people to experience virtual versions of real-world destinations, or to explore virtual environments that do not have a real-world equivalent. This could potentially change the way people experience travel and tourism, but the specifics would depend on how the metaverse is developed and used.
Q: Okay. Where should I backpack next?
ChatGPT: There are many amazing places to go backpacking, and the best destination for you will depend on your personal interests and preferences. Some suggestions for great backpacking destinations include:
- Patagonia: Located in South America, this region offers stunning natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and lakes.
- New Zealand: This island nation offers a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains to beaches, and is known for its outdoor adventure activities.
- Japan: With its unique culture, history, and stunning landscapes, Japan is a great destination for backpackers who want to experience something different.
- Costa Rica: Known for its biodiversity and eco-tourism, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to explore the outdoors.
- Vietnam: With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture, Vietnam is a great destination for backpackers who want to experience a new culture.
Ultimately, the best destination for your next backpacking trip will depend on your personal interests and goals. Consider what you want to experience and what is important to you, and use that to guide your decision.
Q: Oh, I like the New Zealand idea. What are some fun things to do there?
ChatGPT: New Zealand is a beautiful country with a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Some fun things to do in New Zealand include:
- Visit the geothermal area of Rotorua, where you can see geysers, mud pools, and hot springs.
- Take a scenic drive along the South Island’s Southern Alps and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and lakes.
- Go hiking or mountain biking in one of New Zealand’s many national parks, such as Abel Tasman or Fiordland.
- Visit the city of Wellington and explore its vibrant arts and culture scene, including its museums, galleries, and theaters.
- Go whale watching or dolphin swimming in the Bay of Islands.
- Visit the Hobbiton movie set and see where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed.
These are just a few examples of the many fun things to do in New Zealand. The country offers a wide range of activities and experiences, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Q: Let’s talk about something more serious. What is fear of the unknown?
ChatGPT: The fear of the unknown, also known as “xenophobia” or “fear of strangers,” is a common fear that many people experience. It refers to a feeling of fear or anxiety towards people, places, or situations that are unfamiliar or unknown. This fear can manifest in many different ways, including feelings of unease, uncertainty, or insecurity. It can also cause people to avoid certain situations or to approach them with caution. The fear of the unknown can be a natural response to unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situations, but it can also become excessive or irrational. In such cases, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.
Q: And how do we overcome that fear?
ChatGPT: Overcoming fear can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. Some strategies that may be helpful in overcoming fear include:
- Identifying and acknowledging the fear: The first step in overcoming fear is to identify and acknowledge the fear that you are experiencing. This can help you to understand what is causing your fear and why you are feeling afraid.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Fear often arises from negative or unrealistic thoughts. By challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones, you can help to reduce your fear.
- Expose yourself to the fear gradually: Another effective strategy for overcoming fear is to gradually expose yourself to the situation or thing that you are afraid of. This can help you to build your confidence and learn that the fear is unfounded.
- Seek support: It can be helpful to seek support from others when trying to overcome fear. This can be in the form of advice from friends or family, or it could involve seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can help to calm your body and mind and reduce fear.
Ultimately, overcoming fear involves taking small steps and being patient with yourself. It may not happen overnight, but by using the strategies above and staying committed to the process, you can overcome your fear and lead a more fulfilling life.
Q: Hey, ChatGPT. What is the best way to learn about artificial intelligence?
ChatGPT: The best way to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) will depend on your individual learning style and goals. Some suggestions for learning about AI include:
- Read books or online articles about AI: There are many books and articles available that provide an overview of AI and its various applications. Reading these can be a good way to gain a broad understanding of the field.
- Take an online course: There are many online courses available that teach AI concepts and techniques. These courses can be a convenient and flexible way to learn about AI.
- Join a community or forum: There are many online communities and forums where people interested in AI can connect and discuss the latest developments in the field. Joining one of these communities can be a great way to learn from others and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in AI.
- Attend conferences or workshops: Attending conferences or workshops on AI can be an excellent way to learn from experts and network with others in the field.
- Experiment with AI tools and platforms: There are many AI tools and platforms available that allow you to experiment with AI techniques and see how they work in practice. Trying these out can be a great way to learn about AI and see it in action.
