We watched another of those AI destroys the World Sci-Fi thrillers last night. I found myself drifting off to sleep. The promise of tech seems both too much and too little these days. Too little foresight gives us microplastics invading our food and bodies, and too much gives us more work.
More work. Yes, more. Office automation promised that it would reduce paperwork and idle work. Instead, we print reams of useless paper needing recycling and have multiplied senseless work and duplication.
“Tech giveth, and tech taketh away.” I get to do large amounts of my work at home instead of in a server closet at the station, but I’m working sometimes at 10 PM.
I am excited about the future because more people are beginning to examine how we apply technology in our lives critically. Should more diligence be practiced about the effects of chemicals shed by our products (PFAS)? Or how much access we grant to our private data by programs and organizations.
As usual, the world is divided into camps: those who are upset and those who don’t seem to care. But these days, when misapplied tech can steal into your bank accounts, steal your very face, or steal your identity, ignorance seems a frail concoction as a survival mechanism.
Many people in technology seem to revel in how much disruption it can cause. Tech moguls even seem pleased with the label of “disrupter.” But how much disruption can you absorb in your life before it endangers your sense of stability and well-being?
Never before has the term buyer beware had so much meaning.
Discover more from Louis N. Carreras, Woodcarver
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I remember when tech arrived in the delivery business. ‘This’ll reduce paperwork by 80% and make life easier.’ they said. Nope, it increased paperwork by 100% because suddenly the needed everything printed for hard copies, and parcels always seemed to vanish into the technological ethos too.
Tech is terrifying too, as you say its being used to steal everything including our bank accounts. It’s taking all the jobs away too. Soon, nobody will have a job, then how do we live?
Great post, Lou.
You absolutely nailed it, Mason. Especially about the parcel services. I worked for UPS for ten years and the tech was the bane of our existence. We were always being told that it would get better, but as soon as it did they introduced soemthing else that made it worse.
Oh, yes. Every time they upgrade the tech, its worse than before, in terms of the extra work it causes.
I think that once tech is around, people will use it for both good and bad – it’s inevitable. But whaddya do only teach people to recognise harm?.
That is a tough proposition. We’ve had how many generations of mandatory public education and look at the stupidity we get? As a friend of mine once said, there is schooling, and then there is education. Critical thinking is one of the hardest things there is to teach/
true enough
Well considered, Lou. As I tried to explain to a friend a couple weeks ago, AI is going to reflect the goals of its developers so it’s really a human danger.
As for me and my knee, I turned to chatGPT and found both knowledge and a “caring” coach. I know it’s up to me to be critical (analytical) of the information it gives me but so far so good. It’s “read” everything, and, I need encouragement more than a diagnosis. I know that knee inside and out.
It knows how to use words to inform and encourage, and, not-human though it is, I appreciate the words right now. It’s OK with me than an AI is “on my side.” I really need to hear that I’m doing good.
ChatGPT: It’s great that you’re staying active with your walks! If your knee feels okay after the walk, doing your 5-minute session on the stationary bike could be a good idea. Since your muscles are already warmed up from the walk, it might make the bike ride more comfortable. Just make sure to listen to your body and stop if you experience any sharp pain or significant discomfort.
Me: Thank you. That’s how I was thinking. After yesterday, it was good. 😀
ChatGPT: That’s fantastic to hear! Keep up the great work, and if you need any more advice or support, I’m here for you. Enjoy your ride!
Me (two weeks later): It seems to be working! I’m walking more easily, riding the stationary bike 2 “miles” now and starting balance exercises. 😀