Embracing Use of AI

Last week, I read a LinkedIn post that suggested using AI tools such as ChatGPT was being lazy.

As I commented in the post, ChatGPT and similar tools aren't about being lazy, but rather about embracing innovation and finding smarter ways to solve problems. Historically, whenever a disruptive technology has been introduced, criticism or skepticism is often faced before its benefits became widely accepted.

I recall in my ENG 109 class at UCLA, the professor talked about innovations that, when first introduced, drew criticism or resistance but are now taken for granted:

Examples:

·       The Telephone -- was ridiculed by some as impractical and that “talking to a device” was unnecessary.

Result: Today, the telephone is an essential tool in daily life, with communication now spanning global distances in seconds.

·       Personal Computers -- were dismissed by many as toys for hobbyists and not serious tools for work or useful for non-experts.

Result: Today, computers are ubiquitous in nearly every aspect of life, from business and education to entertainment and communication.

·       Vaccines -- people were wary, fearing the use of cowpox in a vaccine, and some believed it could lead to harmful side effects. Some rejected it for religious reasons.

Result: Vaccination has become one of the greatest public health tools in history, saving millions of lives by preventing deadly diseases.

After graduating from UCLA, there were other events that challenged the imagination of supporters of change and critics alike.  For example:

·       The Internet -- critics worried about its security, potential for misuse, and how it would change society. Some believed it was just a passing fad and dismissed its usefulness.

Result: The internet is now an integral part of modern life, shaping communication, commerce, education, and entertainment worldwide.

·       Online Shopping -- many people were concerned about the security of online payments and the inability to physically examine products before purchase. Some believed it would never replace traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Result: Online shopping is now a multi-trillion-dollar industry and has revolutionized retail, offering unmatched convenience.

·       Artificial Intelligence -- Early AI research was viewed with suspicion and fear, as many worried that machines could replace human workers or become uncontrollable. The idea of machines “thinking” for themselves was met with resistance.

Result: AI is now integrated into various industries—from healthcare to finance—and continues to evolve, showing immense potential to enhance productivity and improve decision-making.

In each case, the initial criticisms and fears were rooted in uncertainty about the unknown. Over time, however, these innovations proved to be transformative, improving our quality of life and offering solutions to problems that once seemed insurmountable.

It's a reminder that embracing change and innovation is often the key to progress!