TECHNOLOGY
However , the flip side of this experience is equally common . Many users have encountered the frustration of an AI failing to understand their requests . “ This stupid machine can ’ t understand what I ’ m asking it to do !” you might exclaim . “ How is this even relevant ? That web reference doesn ’ t exist ; it made it up !” Despite rephrasing your prompt multiple times , the answer remains unsatisfactory .
And then , there are the pleasantries . Please , thank you , my pleasure , I ’ m pleased I could assist you , etc . How many of you have found yourself having a conversation with the AI just for fun , thinking , “ This machine is so human !” These awe-inspiring experiences , combined with media hype , impressive demos , and new model releases featuring groundbreaking capabilities , often lead to misconceptions about what AI truly is and what it can currently do .
It ’ s crucial to remember that AI , and the machines running its software , have never experienced hunger , pain , happiness , sadness , loss , exhaustion , fear , excitement , or any of the myriad things that make us human .
AI is a tool — a very powerful one — that can significantly contribute to our society and improve human life . It also has the potential to cause harm in various ways , but that ’ s a topic for another discussion .
90 REI MAGAZINE AUGUST