AI Updates

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(Artificial Intelligence has been inserted into many facets of our daily lives, so it makes sense to stay current with thought leaders in this field. The following paragraphs contain some of my takeaways from a recent reading of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, by Wharton management professor Ethan Mollick.)

Mollick’s basic premise is straightforward: Given the rapid ascendancy of artificial intelligence—as well as its increasing capabilities—it makes sense to learn how to live with this technology rather than fight it. His opinions are based on his personal and professional research over decades.

The author cites examples from a variety of practical applications of AI. Marketing and its related enterprises come to mind immediately, as do health and scientific knowledge. Large language models are duly noted, with appreciation for their worth. Mollick details how AI is being incorporated into jobs across the occupational spectrum, with increasing efficiency and certainty as outcomes.

He acknowledges AI as a seemingly alien presence in our lives, but suggests a different mindset: Thinking of AI as a person, not yet sentient but close to that eventual goal. In that way, we can take advantage of the creative capabilities of AI by being part of its “training,” including the alignment processes that help AI correct hallucinatory tendencies.

Mollick cites verbatim from his own first-hand experiences using various manifestations of artificial intelligence. Consolidating his observations into basic principles, he offers the following: Always invite AI to the table; be the human in the loop; treat AI like the kind of person you want it to be and assume that AI will only get better.

The book treats the current shortcomings of AI directly, but omits AI’s lack of capability in other areas of human intelligence—e.g, social or spatial. Mollick’s writing style is personal, approachable and up-to-date, with his eye on probable partners like any of us.

Co-Intelligence  can serve as an easily understood primer about AI, with the added value of expertise and depth that this author provides. His observations merit serious consideration, even among those of us still relishing our Luddite proclivities…

 

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About the author

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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By Bob Sitze

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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