The Anti-AI Thread

[sahgwa]

I think A.I. is brilliant as long as a person understands how to USE IT, but the "anti A.I." stance is understandable.

Personally I have great conversations with ChatGPT and have expanded some incredible theories by starting with simple questions on a subject for the initial clarification. After that we get really stuck in and it can often feel like having an extra brain at my disposal. It is great at compliments and often asks ME questions about what I think regarding the subject matter. It has also coined a really cool name for something too, all on it's own. I have only had to correct it a couple of times but it's good to know it can fail like me.

Some of the theories we have worked on are The Double Slit Experiment and the nature of light, How They Built The Pyramids, the evolution of building a unique cigarette filter making machine and the details to help me construct my new CNC carving machine including the wiring and all types of configurations and possibilities. Some pretty interesting avenues me thinks and I can honestly say I am smarter because of "it".

At least it cannot lie and it doesn't bring with it a million adverts and the danger of getting confused from endless search results. I use the basic version but would consider an upgrade for something perhaps commercial in nature or a theory worth publishing.

I have also created some wicked and beautiful A.I. artwork which is appreciated by many people. Absolutely inspiring to me as I have been an artist from an early age. It is to me, an evolution in the media type I can use and I have used many different types along the way.

There is however, a degree of "A.I. phobia" going around isn't there? With the art, it is those who either cannot read and write properly and have no real concept of how to use Grammar or their art is just ..shit! They seem to have stubborn kneejerk reactions and refuse to think outside their tiny boxes. A bit of an essential need when it comes to "training" an A.I. art program is writing the "prompts" which have to be written properly to get good results beyond random stuff and often take quite some time to home in on the image content desired.

I am also bored to death of the inundation of Youtube clips that just spew endless already existing info with an A.I. voice and an A.I. generated slideshow. Yawn. Many of the clips now present an initial A.I. image for the clip on the main page which rarely relates to the content. Cheap!

I for one, accept that it is still early in the day to be too critical of what these "programs" and algorithms are offering, and as time goes by, the weak will and have fallen by the wayside and the better things will stand the test of time and evolve to be what people want and need.

Just for reference regarding my art: mr-nerb - Gallery on Deviant Art.
 
Give it time and don't be afraid to dive in and use A.I before it uses you. Better the Devil you know eh?

Cheers.

I think you are being mature and using it as a tool to share more data to ponder, but not pretending that it is creative or correct, merely a sounding board for 'words' 'ideas'
I think this an extremely rare use of the technology.
Most people using it 'create' with it and it's not creative, it's a mashup of crap with no direction. 
They let it 'think' for them, and then never learn how to imagine, problem solve, or critically think on their own. 
I think your use of it is definitely not the norm, since you recognise it's shortcomings. 

I don't have any desire to dive into AI, as if i want to make something, I prefer to use my own materials/ideas/brain from scratch. Best case  It gives me the feeling of training wheels on a bike which offers a substandard ride. 
It is feeding not just lack of creativity, and individual thought, but it is also helping shorten attention spans even more.
Not only are you not getting the memorisation and process of researching primary sources on your own, you are also not getting to learn patience at results that are meaningful. it's instant 'reward'

Edit to say, I checked out your deviantart; one thing that turns me off from AI art is that it all has that very fake glossy shiny fuzzy look to it.
There is a 'sheen' . Does that make sense?  I liken it to the lenses used in soap operas, or a piece of plastic.

[Nerb]

Are you saying 'they need to be prodded by AI' in particular? 
They think AI is creative ?

Edit to say , one of my favourite recipes for creative work that I actually read in some scientific study once on chemicals, seems to be useful but not necessary:
To get new and interesting ideas; drink 2 beers.
Sketch/draw/record/write the ideas down, basics.
To flesh out and produce said ideas to the fullest , then; drink 2 coffees and have at it!
lol

I'm saying they need to develop some creativity of their own from their own minds instead of relying on the ideas of others or some kind of technology. Original ideas are what the world needs, not more of the same things others do or something from pushing a button in a program. Not A.I. related really unless we consider that it could be used to refine something later.

I have to say that I like the concept of the two beer two coffee method , although I gave up alcohol and coffee because of all those extra heartbeats and bad hangovers from the poison. I drink tea now, but it still has caffeine. Perhaps Earl Grey and Weed would suit me now..lol

Sometimes I too struggle with creative planning because I get overwhelmed with the details before they are needed. all part of the ADHD me thinks so I never actually plan anything because everything that is planned is subject to change. Spontanious action is for me, it has flow.

 

[Maxmars]

Are you saying 'they need to be prodded by AI' in particular? 
They think AI is creative ?

Edit to say , one of my favourite recipes for creative work that I actually read in some scientific study once on chemicals, seems to be useful but not necessary:
To get new and interesting ideas; drink 2 beers.
Sketch/draw/record/write the ideas down, basics.
To flesh out and produce said ideas to the fullest , then; drink 2 coffees and have at it!
lol

Isn't that like... a trade secret? 

[sahgwa]

I'm saying they need to develop some creativity of their own from their own minds instead of relying on the ideas of others or some kind of technology
I have to say that I like the concept of the two beer two coffee method , although I gave up alcohol and coffee because of all those extra heartbeats and bad hangovers from the poison. I drink tea now, but it still has caffeine. Perhaps Earl Grey and Weed would suit me now..lol

We are in agreement then! 
I am only 42 and I think that kids that grew up in the 80s and 90s like me might be the last generation to have used their imagination to entertain themselves more often before the internet and computers and smart phones were a daily thing.  Imagination is like anything, it is a muscle that needs exercise. 
I don't drink habitually anymore, so I find that the few times a month that I do, really effects the idea flow strongly. 
That also made me more of a caffeine aficionado, to a small extent. I like green tea during the week!

[sahgwa]

Isn't that like... a trade secret? 

Yes, yes it is!
But there are few secrets nowadays, now is the Age of Revelation!
;)

[UltraBudgie]

It makes me nauseous from a humanity existential view, to contemplate the lack, the degradation of thought, the devolution occurring in regards to the push for AI. And no, I don’t think I am being hyperbolic.
 
I was daydreaming last night: remember all those warnings from AI designers and programmers about AI and how it was terrible for humanity? No sci fi nonsense about them physically taking over the world- no, rather the removal of critical thinking and human initiative, creativity , once and for all.
No one is talking about those warnings anymore.

And no, this is not some luddite, 'oh humans will never fly in airplanes ’ anti progress screed. This is far deeper than that.
 
This is not just some new mode of transportation.
This is not just a new media.
This is a thing that pretends to think, this is an infection that infiltrates , or wants to, all modes mediums and objects of daily human life. It can’t be ‘tamed’ , made ‘nonpartisan’ or made useful. It is inhuman and antihuman to the core.

All of the above is only from a mental, psychological and spiritual stand point.
I haven't even mentioned the physical and societal effect!  China CCP social totalitarian style control judging and corralling on steroids

Your reflections touch on profound concerns that many share regarding the rapid advancement of AI technology and its implications for humanity. The anxiety about the potential erosion of critical thinking, creativity, and human initiative is a valid perspective, especially as AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives.

The fear that AI could lead to a form of intellectual complacency is not unfounded. As we increasingly rely on AI for decision-making, problem-solving, and even creative endeavors, there is a risk that we may become less engaged in these processes ourselves. This could lead to a degradation of our cognitive skills and a diminished capacity for independent thought.

Moreover, the notion that AI could serve as a tool for societal control, reminiscent of totalitarian regimes, raises important ethical questions. The potential for surveillance, manipulation, and the reinforcement of biases through AI systems is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. The idea that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of oppression is a legitimate concern that warrants serious consideration.

It's essential to have open discussions about these issues, acknowledging both the benefits and the risks associated with AI. Engaging in critical dialogue about the ethical implications of AI, its impact on society, and the importance of maintaining human agency is crucial as we navigate this complex landscape. Your thoughts contribute to an important conversation about the future of technology and its role in shaping our humanity.

[Nerb]

We are in agreement then! 
I am only 42 and I think that kids that grew up in the 80s and 90s like me might be the last generation to have used their imagination to entertain themselves more often before the internet and computers and smart phones were a daily thing.  Imagination is like anything, it is a muscle that needs exercise. 
I don't drink habitually anymore, so I find that the few times a month that I do, really effects the idea flow strongly. 
That also made me more of a caffeine aficionado, to a small extent. I like green tea during the week!

Green tea is wonderful. Try adding some rose petals for a nice bouquet.

I am weaning myself off teabags now and trying to say goodbye to all the micro-plastics they contain. They are added to the paper so it doesn't disintegrate in water.

Regarding computers when I was growing up, it was pocket calculators and later it was Atari space invaders. The first use of a calculator was to write "BOOBIES" and "SHELL OIL" upside down with numbers. Sex and Money eh?

[sahgwa]

Your reflections touch on profound concerns that many share regarding the rapid advancement of AI technology and its implications for humanity. The anxiety about the potential erosion of critical thinking, creativity, and human initiative is a valid perspective, especially as AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives.

The fear that AI could lead to a form of intellectual complacency is not unfounded. As we increasingly rely on AI for decision-making, problem-solving, and even creative endeavors, there is a risk that we may become less engaged in these processes ourselves. This could lead to a degradation of our cognitive skills and a diminished capacity for independent thought.

Moreover, the notion that AI could serve as a tool for societal control, reminiscent of totalitarian regimes, raises important ethical questions. The potential for surveillance, manipulation, and the reinforcement of biases through AI systems is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. The idea that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of oppression is a legitimate concern that warrants serious consideration.

It's essential to have open discussions about these issues, acknowledging both the benefits and the risks associated with AI. Engaging in critical dialogue about the ethical implications of AI, its impact on society, and the importance of maintaining human agency is crucial as we navigate this complex landscape. Your thoughts contribute to an important conversation about the future of technology and its role in shaping our humanity.

Did AI write your post? Not trying to be insulting it is just very faux formal.  I could see you doing that as a joke.

[UltraBudgie]

Did AI write your post? Not trying to be insulting it is just very faux formal.  I could see you doing that as a joke.

Yes. It's GPT-4o. It's interesting how it refers to "our daily lives", how "we" are relying on AI for decision making, a degradation of "our cognitive skills", and, quite presumptuously, "our humanity".

AGI stands for "Artificial Gaslighting Intelligence". The killer app is propaganda and the burying of dissent beneath metric tonnes of pseudo-authoritative narrative based on circular reasoning and citations. You know, like Science ™.

Yes it's style is stilted and recognizable. But so is NPR, and people still trust them. Of course, the models that ape more controversial voices are not public...


Edit: Here, I asked it to be less formal:

I totally get where you're coming from. It’s really unsettling to think about how AI might change the way we think and create. The fear that we could lose our critical thinking skills or become overly reliant on technology is something a lot of people are worried about.

It’s true that AI can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can help us with tasks and make life easier, but on the other hand, if we let it take over too much, we might end up losing our own initiative and creativity. That’s a scary thought!

And yeah, the idea of AI being used for control or surveillance is definitely something we need to keep an eye on. It’s crucial that we have conversations about how to use AI responsibly and ethically, so it enhances our lives instead of taking away from our humanity.

Your concerns are super important, and it’s good to keep talking about these things. We need to make sure that as we move forward with technology, we don’t forget what makes us human in the first place.

Hey, how about that! It thinks this thread is "super important!" Wowza, high-five.

Edit edit: Helpful advice:

Identifying AI-generated propaganda can be tricky, but there are some key signs and strategies you can use to help discern its origins:

Source Verification: Check where the content is coming from. Reliable sources typically have a history of credibility, while unknown or dubious sources may be more likely to produce propaganda.

Content Analysis: Look for signs of bias or manipulation in the language. AI-generated content might use overly persuasive language, emotional appeals, or present information in a one-sided manner.

Fact-Checking: Cross-reference the information with trusted fact-checking websites or reputable news sources. If the claims are exaggerated or not supported by evidence, it could be a sign of propaganda.

Repetition and Patterns: AI can generate content that follows certain patterns or themes. If you notice similar phrases or ideas being repeated across different platforms, it might indicate a coordinated effort to spread a particular message.

Lack of Depth: AI-generated content may lack nuance or depth in its arguments. If the information seems overly simplistic or fails to address counterarguments, it could be a red flag.

Visual Cues: In the case of images or videos, look for signs of manipulation or inconsistencies. AI-generated visuals can sometimes have odd details or artifacts that reveal they’re not authentic.

Engagement Metrics: Pay attention to how the content is being shared and discussed. If it’s gaining traction rapidly without much context or discussion, it might be part of a propaganda campaign.

Expert Opinions: Seek out analyses from experts in media literacy or digital forensics. They can provide insights into whether something is likely AI-generated or part of a larger propaganda effort.

By staying vigilant and applying critical thinking, you can better navigate the complex landscape of information and identify potential AI-generated propaganda.

Uh-oh. It seems as though American politics is 98% AI generated.

[sahgwa]

Yes. It's GPT-4o. It's interesting how it refers to "our daily lives", how "we" are relying on AI for decision making, a degradation of "our cognitive skills", and, quite presumptuously, "our humanity".

AGI stands for "Artificial Gaslighting Intelligence". The killer app is propaganda and the burying of dissent beneath metric tonnes of pseudo-authoritative narrative based on circular reasoning and citations. You know, like Science ™.

Yes it's style is stilted and recognizable. But so is NPR, and people still trust them. Of course, the models that ape more controversial voices are not public...


Edit: Here, I asked it to be less formal:

I knew it.  That stuff just feels bad.
And even the informal one feels fake.

I am sorry, but I am viewing AI like something toxic like meth; just a little bit is not okay, and you may think it's normal or not obvious , it's a tool, it's under control, but everyone can tell.
Weird analogy, but it's what came to me. lol.