I don’t get this Artificial Intelligence thing. That is mostly because I am not intelligent. I am curious about it though. Rather than research the topic, I asked an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to explain itself. I asked the program a number of questions, asking that each be answered in 100 words and in simple ways. I was amazed that each answer was provided in less than 20 seconds.

SO, WHAT ARE YOU?

“Artificial Intelligence means making computers and machines smart, like how people think and learn. It allows them to do tasks that usually need human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing pictures, or making decisions. “AI uses math and data to figure things out on its own, getting better as it learns from more information. You can see AI in things like voice assistants, self-driving cars, and recommending movies on streaming platforms. “AI is changing our world, making things easier and more convenient, but it also raises questions about privacy, ethics, and how we work and live with these smart machines.”

WHAT IS YOUR DOWNSIDE

 “The downside of AI in simple terms is that it can lead to job loss as machines can replace humans in some tasks. It also raises concerns about privacy because AI can collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data. “There’s a risk of bias in AI systems, as they may learn from biased data and make unfair decisions. AI can also be used for harmful purposes like creating deepfake videos or cyberattacks. Additionally, reliance on AI may reduce human skills and decisionmaking abilities. Lastly, there are ethical concerns about the control and accountability of AI, as it becomes more powerful and autonomous.”

WILL YOU BECOME MORE INTELLIGENT THAN HUMANS?

“The potential for AI to become more intelligent than humans is uncertain. Currently, AI excels in narrow domains but lacks human-like general intelligence. “Achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) requires replicating human-level cognitive abilities, including common-sense reasoning, creativity, and adaptability. “Researchers work on advanced algorithms, neural networks, and deep learning to progress toward AGI. “However, the timeline is unpredictable, and ethical considerations are crucial. If AGI is achieved, it may involve machines learning and evolving rapidly, raising questions about control, ethics, and the societal impact of superintelligent AI. Ultimately, whether AI surpasses human intelligence and how it does so remain open questions with profound implications.

CAN STUDENTS USE YOU TO CHEAT ON SCHOOL PROJECTS AND EXAMS?

“Students can potentially cheat using AI to write essays, complete assignments, or access answers during exams. AI-powered essay generators can create convincing papers, making it difficult to detect plagiarism. “Students can also use AI-based language models to search for answers online or generate responses in real-time during online exams, bypassing traditional cheating detection methods. “Institutions must invest in advanced plagiarism detection tools and implement secure online testing platforms to combat AI-enabled cheating. Additionally, promoting ethical AI use and emphasizing the importance of academic integrity can help deter students from resorting to such methods.” I’m thinking having students source info would help nab cheaters.

CAN YOU AFFECT WARS?

“Yes, AI can be and is being used in various aspects of modern warfare. AI technologies are employed for tasks like autonomous drones, which can conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and even make decisions about targets. “AI is also used in cybersecurity to protect against cyberattacks and in the development of advanced weaponry. However, the use of AI in warfare raises significant ethical and legal concerns, including questions about the control and accountability of AI systems, the potential for autonomous weapons to make life-and-death decisions, and the risk of unintended consequences. “International laws and agreements are being discussed to regulate the use of AI in armed conflicts.” That is scary. Do you think Russia or China or Donald Trump would follow international laws and agreements? I don’t.

FOR FUN, I TYPED THE NAME JOHN GORMLEY INTO THE PROGRAM.

 “John Gormley is an Irish name commonly associated with several individuals. “One notable John Gormley is a former Irish politician, born in 1959. He was a member of the Green Party and served as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government from 2007 to 2011 in the Irish government. ”During his tenure, he played a key role in promoting environmental policies and sustainability initiatives. Gormley is known for his advocacy of green energy and conservation efforts. He has also been involved in various environmental and community organizations, contributing to Ireland’s efforts to address environmental challenges.” Haha. That’s not our John Gormley. Green Party? Haha.

I EXPANDED THE SEARCH TO GET SASKATOON’S JOHN GORMLEY.

“John Gormley is a Canadian talk show host and former politician. He was born in 1959 in Canada. Gormley served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Saskatchewan, Canada, representing the Saskatchewan Party. “After his political career, he became well-known as the host of “The John Gormley Show,” a popular radio talk show that airs on CKOM and CJME in Saskatchewan. The show covers a wide range of topics, including politics, current events, and social issues. “John Gormley’s radio program has gained a significant following in the region, making him a prominent figure in Canadian media.” Oops. In its scan for information AI found some incorrect info on Gormley. Gormley was a one-term MP for the Conservative Party. In terms of the Saskatchewan Party, he is a mouthpiece, not an MLA. You can’t blame AI for the mistake. A human wrote the story that AI found in its search. F

INALLY, I TYPED MY NAME INTO THE PROGRAM. TRUST ME, I AM NOT A BIG DEAL LIKE THE JOHN GORMLEYS.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have access to specific information about individuals who are not widely recognized public figures or widely known experts in their fields. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I do not have any information on a columnist named Cam Hutchinson. It’s possible that he is not a widely known public figure or that he gained prominence after my last update. “If Cam Hutchinson is a relatively new or niche columnist, you may want to check the latest news articles, social media platforms, or relevant websites to find information about his work and columns. “Additionally, if you have specific questions about a topic or column related to Cam Hutchinson, feel free to provide more details, and I’ll do my best to provide relevant information or context based on my existing knowledge.” There is no need to apologize or to dig deeper. I am quite happy living with my lack of intelligence in obscurity. If you want to try this program and/or learn more about AI, go to ChatGPT. openai.com.

-Cam Hutchinson