AI Debate- The historical Quandary

Recent advancements and the easy availability of AI has reignited the age old debate on Technology. The increasing use of ChatGPT has sparked controversy with rising concerns about the potential for the technology to be misused or abused, particularly in the realm of misinformation and propaganda. There are also concerns about the potential for ChatGPT to be used to spread hate speech or extremist ideologies. In addition, some worry about the ethical implications of using AI-powered language models to replace human communication entirely. It is being speculated that over-reliance on ChatGPT or similar AI models may lead to reduced critical thinking skills and cognitive abilities in individuals and unintended consequences that are difficult to anticipate, such as increasing social inequality or exacerbating existing social problems.

AI or ChatGPT may be new but the debate is not! Technology and its advancement have become an integral part of our daily lives. Have you ever tried teaching your grandparents to use the latest computer, smartphone or tablet? If you have, you know how challenging it can be. You could have tried teaching a cat to bark instead! They are so used to the old ways of doing things that they find it hard to adapt to the new technology. It is not just the older generation that has struggles because of new technology. Even young people are losing some fundamental skills because of the reliance on technology. For instance, when was the last time you remembered a phone number without checking your phone's contact list or call history? With the convenience of mobile phones, we no longer need to memorize phone numbers. The art of reading a map in another skill being confined to history. Gone are the days when we had to use a physical map to navigate our way to an unfamiliar city. Today, we just type the address into our GPS and follow the directions. The ability to do mental arithmetic is another one on the list. With the convenience of calculators and smartphones, we no longer need to do mental math. When was the last time you calculated a tip in your head or added up a column of figures without using a calculator? Traditional methods of communication like writing letters and sending telegrams, Sewing and mending clothes by hand, Typing on a typewriter and so on, the list is endless.

I remember a time when I would pop my head out of the window and crook my neck to look back while reversing a car relying solely on my own skills and senses. It required a high degree of spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination especially when parking or coming out of a tight spot. Today If I have to reverse without a reversing camera or sensors, I am quite sure that I will end up with a few scratches if not dents in my beloved trusty metal steed. With the advent of technology, the ability to reverse without sensors or reversing cameras has becoming a lost skill. Most drivers today can only reverse a car with the aid of these technological devices, which means that they are losing the ability to rely on their own skills and senses.

Does this mean that Technology is making us Dumb? Is loosing skills really a bad thing and something that we as a society need to lose sleep on?

While it is true that technology has led to the loss of some skills, the advancement of technology has allowed humans to focus on developing new skills and abilities that are better suited to the modern world. As society progresses and evolves, so do our needs and priorities. The skills that were once considered essential may no longer hold the same value or relevance today. Technology has enabled us to adapt and shift our focus towards new areas of expertise which are more valuable and beneficial for our personal and society’s growth. Technology has made many tasks easier and more efficient, allowing us to devote more time and energy towards creative and innovative pursuits that require higher-level thinking skills. The loss of certain skills due to technology is a natural part of the evolution of human society, and it opens up new opportunities for growth and development.

The single most critical skill that differentiated humans from other animals and made them the apex species was the ability to control fire. The mastery over fire was a major turning point in human evolution, providing numerous benefits that allowed humans to thrive and eventually dominate the planet. Fire allowed early humans to cook food, which made it easier to digest and provided a greater variety of nutrients, leading to improved health and better brain development. Cooking food also saved time and energy spent on chewing and digesting raw food, allowing early humans to devote more time to other activities such as hunting, gathering, and socializing. Fire also provided warmth and protection, allowing humans to live in colder regions and stay warm at night. It could be used to scare away predators, and the ability to control fire allowed humans to make better tools and weapons, which increased their chances of survival. Fire also played a crucial role in the development of human culture and social organization. Early humans would gather around fires to share stories, create social bonds, and pass on knowledge to the next generation. The ability to control fire also allowed humans to live in larger groups, leading to the development of complex societies and cultures which gave an impetus to technological advancements.

If you and I had to rely on lighting fires for our survival today, would you be reading this or would I be writing it?

Please let me know your thoughts!

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