Navigating the Practicalities of AI in Our Digital Toolbox: Beyond the Hype

Recently I received my monthly Grammarly report (partially shown above). The report prompted me to dive a little deeper into the concept of developing our "Digital Toolbox." In a recent post, I shared the idea and the importance of building a digital toolbox, a theme that resonates deeply in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. While narrowing our focus solely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is tempting, the scope is far broader and more profound.

The buzz surrounding AI, particularly the advancements by leading organizations, often feels like an enigmatic world, distant from our everyday reality. It is akin to listening to Taylor Swift and feeling connected, yet knowing we are worlds apart. Even a fleeting encounter or a shared selfie does not truly bring us closer to understanding the experiences or creations of such individuals.

For me, using AI and digital tools is grounded in practicality. My work involves extensive research, and I am continually honing my skills in prompt engineering. However, most of my research involves listening to podcasts featuring academics, intellectuals, and professionals with advanced degrees or those with many years of experience, e.g., well-seasoned. I am also immersed in peer-reviewed articles and many books at one time. As someone who reads slowly and grapples with dyslexia, AI tools have been a game-changer in my quest for knowledge.

Take, for instance, my approach to podcasts and articles. These mediums often provide a preliminary glimpse into the relevance of my work. Utilizing tools like VoxScript integrated with ChatGPT , Plus (GPT-4) allows me to revisit specific podcast segments pertinent to my research, enhancing my ability to weave these insights into my projects. Another invaluable tool is AskYourPDF , which transforms how I interact with extensive documents. Whether a couple of pages or an entire journal article, this tool enables me to engage with the content more effectively, pinpointing areas that support or challenge my work.

It is crucial to underscore that this is not about plagiarism. We must all adhere to high standards of integrity, ensuring that we make the work our own and duly credit the sources. These tools do not just facilitate information consumption; they empower me to interact swiftly with vast amounts of data, enriching my ideas and enhancing my ability to serve others.

On a closing note, while I harbor no immediate fears about AI, I am intrigued by its potential impact on concepts like Imago Dei. Amidst the AI hype often amplified by media biases, technologies like CRISPR actually send a shiver down my spine. As we navigate this landscape, we must maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing the practical applications of these tools in our professional and personal growth.

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