Artificial Intelligence

“The Medium is the Message”

These words by Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan were a catch-phrase when I was growing up in the sixties. Along with “Global village” – a concept also attributed to McLuhan. People around the world were now connected through the technologies of the time. One of the main concerns was the impact of television on behaviour…the good and the bad effects. His ideas from the last century are even more relevant today. Although the messages in the media are now more accessible on a personal level.

“We become what we behold. We shape our tools and thereafter the tools shape us.”

This is another McLuhan quote which I think epitomises where we are with AI at this moment in time. At first it was a tool with limited use…search engines, auto-correct on our texts and emails…to the overarching use now. We’re realising the negative effects too late to pull back. So the only option is to embrace it but be aware of its limitations. For example, if students use it to write essays, they need to do fact-checking, where possible, and also check any references provided – as they are may not actually exist. Spelling is still a useful skill. Otherwise how do you know if the auto-correct is correct.

Ever since the invention of photo-enhancing software, it’s been possible to create fake images. But that needed a degree of mastering the full range of an application’s features which not everyone undertook. My use of Photoshop, for example, was limited to cropping and lightening or darkening photographs. Now more advanced features can be done easily with AI tools. A swipe of your finger and the overflowing rubbish bin spoiling a scenic view is gone.

We’re seeing the damaging effects on all creative arts, not just photography: writing, acting, painting. Where does it end? Everything you view or experience can be or has been faked.

Soon, as anyone who reads/watches science-fiction knows, human beings will be surplus to requirements. And, who is to say that’s a bad thing considering the mess we’ve managed to make of living on this planet.

On a different note, I hope you’ve all enjoyed a lovely summer. It’s been a dry and sunny one for most parts of the UK. Here in Yorkshire, we have a hosepipe ban in place as the reservoirs, rivers and canals are at extremely low levels. Now that we’re in September, I’m sure the rains will come and we can start moaning about the cold and wet.

If you haven’t read any of my books, then here’s a link to my publisher’s website. I can assure you that none of them have been written with the help of AI. My own un-artificial, limited level of intelligence came up with the stories.