From Calculators to Chat GPT-4: Exploring Public Response to Technological?Advancements

In April 1986, a group of math teachers staged a protest outside the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Washington, demanding "No calculators in elementary school." They argued that introducing calculators too early in children's education could be detrimental to their learning process. Fast forward to the present day, and we now face the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the recent arrival of Chat GPT-4.

Analogous to the opposition against calculators, some individuals have expressed concerns about the implications of AI. Some have signed letters like those published by The Future of Life Institute, while The Center for All and Digital Policy (CAIDP) filed a complaint asserting that GPT-4 violates the FTC's (Federal Trade Commission) rules against unfair and deceptive practices. Furthermore, investment banking giant JP Morgan Chase and Co. has restricted its employees from using ChatGPT at work, though the company has declined to comment on this policy when approached by Reuters. Various speculations surround their reasoning for this limitation. Concerns about AI development include potential increases in unemployment and fears that AI could ultimately dominate and annihilate humanity.

The math teachers who protested against calculators in the past have likely adapted to and now benefit from AI in their teaching. However, there are still those who oppose AI advancements, like Chat GPT, and even seek to prohibit this technology. For instance, in Italy, a recent ban was imposed due to concerns about user privacy. This resistance to AI is reminiscent of the apprehension surrounding calculators and, later, computers in the past.

This cyclical pattern of skepticism and resistance toward new technologies is a recurring phenomenon in human history. As AI continues to evolve, society must weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, engage in thoughtful discourse, and establish safeguards to ensure responsible development and utilization of this powerful technology.

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References:

https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1986/04/04/math-teachers-stage-a-calculated-protest/c003ddaf-b86f-4f2b-92ca-08533f3a5896/