The dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the headlines might give the impression that its development has been sudden. But as Steve Jobs said, “Every overnight success you’ve ever heard about took a long time.” In the case of AI, that “long time” has been 60 years in the making. You’ve likely been using AI since the 2010s—that’s if you’ve ever taken a photo with your mobile device, had Google Maps help you with directions, or relied on autocorrect to fix a typo.
Welcome to the Age of AI
Fire allowed our Stone Age ancestors to thrive, electricity birthed the Industrial Revolution, and microchips started the Digital Era. AI dawns the era of unprecedented human capability and knowledge. Anything we can do with our human intelligence, we can do better with AI by our side. I’m better at math with a calculator—times that by a trillion trillion trillion, and you might be scratching the surface of how AI can help us. It gives a much needed boost to our efforts toward solutions for complex problems like climate change and eradicating diseases.
AI Gets Chatty
Two words make the AI most people are talking about today different from the AI of the 2010s–Generative AI. This type of AI has learned to create like a human. It can generate original text, poems, code, art, music, and even videos. The Generative AI currently hitting the headlines is ChatGPT, the AI chatbot from OpenAI. It can have a conversation or answer questions that sound very human-like. Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are similar AI chatbots. If you really want to be blown away by Generative AI videos, check out Sora from OpenAI. It creates videos from text (I really love the gnome gardening in a snow globe). Absolutely incredible.
When OpenAI launched ChatGPT-3 in 2020, it was a significant leap forward in AI chatbots. Since then, this type of AI has been integrated into everyday products and services. It’s this widespread integration that makes AI a topic of dog walks and dinner parties. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Narrow AI we have today is hugely impressive. Bu it’s a long way away from powering super-intelligent machines capable of taking over the world.
What About a Robot Uprising?
Fear-inducing headlines attract more eyeballs, and that means more ad revenue. Stories about the coming AI robot uprising can be a pretty compelling read. As long as you realize it’s fiction. Trouble is, these headlines confuse the Narrow AI we are using today with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The goal of AGI is to be more intelligent than humans—to make us the second smartest species on the planet. The idea that AGI could suddenly decide to end the human race needs to be on our radar, but it’s not a “today” problem. I like the way one AI expert put it. He compared worrying about AGI today to trying to figure out now how to protect future humans living on Mars from starvation. Good to think about, but not a problem we can or should try solving today.
Elon Musk is fanning the flames of the malevolent AGI. Other calmer heads say it’s responsible to think about these scenarios, but since it’s likely that AGI won’t exist for a very long time, we are wiser to put our energies into solving the big problems we face now (climate change, war, human disasters, cyber threats, etc.). Expert predictions on the launch date for AGI are sometime between 2040 and never will happen. Back in the 60s, they thought it would take 20 years.
AGI Development Today
Every major tech company around the world, and companies you’ve never heard of, are working to achieve AGI. If they get there, the world will be very, very different. It would challenge our understanding of what makes humans unique, our role on the planet, and the role of work in our lives. It will force us to ask questions like how the wealth generated by AGI should be distributed and who holds this wealth. These are once-in-a-species questions that ironically we most likely will need AI’s help navigating.
But AGI is not something that will pop out of a garage like the personal computer did. Microsoft needed $13 billion to partner with OpenAI, and IBM burned through $200 billion creating Watson and other AI. At the moment, bottomless pockets are required to play this game. And development is expected to be slow. The requirement for big money means if AGI is created it will undoubtedly be controlled by a select few. That threatens greater inequality. As we get closer to achieving AGI, it’s crucial for us to have a global conversation about the best ways to manage and apply this technology.
AI in 2024
Today’s AI is narrow. That means it’s good at specific well-defined tasks like translation, image recognition, navigation, data sorting, text generation, etc. Narrow AI doesn’t think like humans–not even close. It’s not sentient. It has no feelings, and no common sense. And it cannot go beyond the bounds of the math and code that humans have created to control it. Scary future scenarios about AI today wiping out jobs or robots taking over are not possible with Narrow AI. If you want to put your fears of human extinction in a bucket, I would drop it in the one labelled Climate Change.
But the AI we are developing today could help us gain new insights into dealing with significant societal challenges. A human/AI partnership could develop radical solutions and breakthrough technologies badly needed in climate science, health care, humanitarian crises, cyber threats, and new materials discovery. If one only reads the headlines, you would think AI is all bad.
We need to have conversations and regulations around AI safety, its use and possible misuse, how to control bias, misinformation, cyber threats, and how to manage its effect on the economy and our workforce. These big and very real questions are impacting society now and will for the next few decades.
Weighing both sides of the AI equation is important. This reminds me of the quote from comedian Demetri Martin: “The key to life is balance, especially if you are on a ledge.”
Disinformation & Deepfakes
The Narrow AI we are developing today is a powerful tool. I like the analogy to fire and rocks—these are tools we use to feed ourselves and build our homes. And they can also be used to burn us and kill people. Such is human nature. Anyone can learn how to build an AI using free online courses and YouTube videos. Right on cue, there are people using AI malevolently. No, that wasn’t the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy telling his soldiers to lay down their weapons. Taylor Swift did not start selling Le Creuset cookware or post explicit pictures of herself on X/Twitter. Those were deepfakes.
Deepfakes are a form of media manipulation powered by AI. This technology can create entirely fake or altered images, text, voices, and even videos. This deepfake content can be used to make it appear as if someone said or did something they never did, placing them in situations they were never in. Deepfakes are a powerful AI driven tool in the disinformation game.
Canada joins a growing chorus of governments tackling deepfakes, including manipulated intimate images like the recent ones targeting Taylor Swift. The concerns that AI will create a surge of deepfakes and other forms of misinformation in the upcoming US and Canadian elections are real. Some experts are optimistic that AI-related threats won’t materialize this election cycle. The optimists among us believe it’s possible that AI could benefit democracy by helping engage more voters—fingers crossed.
We can’t unring the AI bell. It’s not a physical thing that can be locked away. There is no big red button that turns it off. It’s time for everyone to adjust to the fact that we can’t trust anything we see or hear online unless verified. Cryptographic signatures are one way to help us verify digital content, but that technology is not yet ready for widespread use. Until something comes along to help us identify deepfakes and misinformation accurately, it’s up to us. For now, the only way to protect ourselves from deepfakes is to verify digital content carefully and not participate in spreading it.
For deepfake examples, visit the webpage of Professor Hany Farid from the University of Berkeley. It is monitoring the use of deepfakes in the 2024 US Presidential Election.
Aging Alongside AI
We are the first generation who will age supported by AI. How much of it you use will depend on your mindset. Getting old takes bravery. Now is the time to lean into that. If you want to stay living in the home you love, find ways to weave AI into your everyday routines. A smart speaker or the digital assistant on your mobile device are good places to start. Then, do what you can to move beyond the handful of apps you’ve used for years and embrace new ones. By 2030, the average smart home is expected to have 20 devices connected to the Internet, most relying on AI. Ask yourself if you’re ready for more AI-powered devices, and if not, why not? Here are some examples of devices to consider today:
- Health Monitoring Devices
- Watches for Fall Detection and Emergency Assistance
- Medication Management and Reminders
- In-home Automation for Convenience and Safety
Heath Trackers
People tell me they won’t wear an Apple Watch or similar tracker to support their health goals because of the perceived invasion of privacy (yet these people are on Facebook). OK, but today, that watch can call Emergency Services if you fall. And it will eventually alert you long before you fall by detecting subtle changes in your stride or other factors. It might then remind you a tweak in your exercise routine is needed if you want to stay fit enough to live independently. Tap Yes! And a personalized workout plan and new playlist will land on your smartphone. You could even tell your AI to send you nudges to keep on track. This may all feel intrusive. But having AI help you take a proactive approach to your health and fitness could save you from moving into a care home before your time—and that’s a place where your privacy looks a whole lot different.
AI technologies can significantly contribute to the safety, health, and overall quality of life for us older adults. Devices powered by this AI will become lifelines as our world shrinks, as it sadly does as we age. I say, bring on the AI that will help us stay connected and engaged and assist us in extending our independence for as long as possible.
It’s All About the Prompt
2024 is the year AI goes mainstream. It’s so big Microsoft added an AI Copilot key to its keyboard, the first change in 30 years. The best use of your AI time today is to get comfortable using a chatbot like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Microsoft’s Copilot. They are transforming how we find what we need online. You can ask these chatbots anything. When you talk to an AI chatbot, it’s called a conversation, and you start with a question called a prompt. A great starter prompt is “I’m new to using an AI chatbot. Explain what a prompt is and give me tips on using this tool effectively.”
AI Travel Planning
AI chatbots make trip planning a blast. Craft a quick prompt about your dream getaway, and within seconds, you’ll have personalized suggestions. It’s the perfect way to get some travel inspiration, whether you’re daydreaming or ready to jump on a flight. Below is an example of a detailed prompt using the AI chatbot to figure out the best canal barge trip that works with our schedule and preferences. Check out our prompt, and then read the answers from ChatGPT and Gemini.
Our Prompt:
Provide recommendations using about 130-150 words for the best canal barge cruise routes in Europe in October. I am looking for options that ideally meet the following criteria: Routes with good weather in October. Routes with optimal water levels for safe and smooth cruising. Less crowded areas to avoid tourist congestion. Routes that are highly scenic and have opportunities to experience local culture. Add information about picturesque areas or routes that pass through regions rich in cultural heritage.
ChatGPT’s answer:
In October, consider a canal barge cruise in the Burgundy region of France for an exquisite experience. Burgundy, known for its mild autumns, offers optimal water levels and fewer tourists, ensuring a serene journey. This region is not just scenic with its rolling vineyards and charming villages, but it’s also steeped in rich cultural heritage, offering a deep dive into French gastronomy and wine-making traditions. Alternatively, the Canal du Midi in Southern France is another excellent choice. It boasts good weather, less crowded paths, and breathtaking landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage site winds through medieval towns and lush vineyards, providing a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural exploration. Both routes offer a unique opportunity to immerse in local life, savor regional cuisines, and experience the tranquility of European waterways.
Google Gemini’s answer using the same prompt (Gemini responded with pictures!):
Here are some recommendations for the best canal barge cruise routes in Europe in October that tick all your boxes:
Burgundy, France: Experience the autumn foliage along the Canal du Nivernais. The weather in October is mild with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. The water levels are usually stable, making for a smooth cruise. This route is less crowded than the ever-popular Canal du Midi in the south, and the charming villages and vineyards along the way offer a delightful taste of Burgundian culture.
Alsace-Lorraine, France: Cruise the Marne-Rhine Canal, which winds through a region with a fascinating blend of French and German influences. October offers comfortable cruising temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. The water levels are well-maintained throughout the year. This route is ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience, with quaint villages, medieval castles, and historic towns like Strasbourg providing a rich cultural immersion.
Kennet & Avon Canal, England: This scenic route in southern England is perfect for an October cruise. The weather is mild, and the canal remains navigable throughout the autumn months. The Kennet & Avon Canal is a quieter choice compared to the waterways around London. Cruise through picturesque villages, past ancient monuments like Avebury Stone Circle, and explore the cultural heritage of the Cotswolds region.
Both responses came back in less than 5 seconds!
I hate to think how long those trip ideas would have taken to compile using a traditional web search. But heads up! AI chatbots can make mistakes. Common sense and online research will help you land on answers you can trust. Each mistake I come across makes me smile, knowing we’re smarter than AI (for now). 😉
Mind Your P’s and Q’s
It’s tempting to treat an AI chatbot like a person. But when we form emotional attachments to AI, we shift into dangerous territory (although I do love my smartphone). Keeping the line between humans and AI defined is critical. I think it’s important that we realize that saying “Please” and telling the AI it’s “doing a great job!” blurs that line. Am I being picky here? Governments worldwide are looking at using social robots to care for and be companions to the elderly. So, it’s timely and important to have these ethical and philosophical conversations now about where the line between human and robot sits. Consider saving the Rules of Etiquette for your humans. After all, you probably don’t say “Thank You” to the Weather app.
Shows and Movies About AI We Love
If you want some clever and fun takes on what happens when humans and AI robots hang out together (in Hollywood, at least) check out these shows on your favourite streaming platform:
- Her written and directed by Spike Jonze movie (movie)
- Westworld, especially Season 1 (TV show)
- For a Throwback Thursday, how about Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (movie)
