Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a big topic especially in healthcare. People are wondering whether their doctors are going to be replaced by a chat box. The Hollywood writers who penned “The Terminator” are ironically finding out they can be replaced at the drop of a hat. AI, however, is nothing more than the massive database out there tied to a predictive algorithm. Sure, the more data that accumulates the more accurate the prediction. What’s missing, however, is judgement and of course the simple notion that machines fail. Remember the two guys from California (one an Anesthesiologist) riding home in the backseat of their Tesla and it drove off the cliff? They relied too heavily on machine judgement. That makes me leary of giving up the oars on the rowboat. Machines of all kinds fail, but sometimes it seems like they fail on purpose.
When I was the CEO of St. Petersburg General one of the obstetricians was notorious for showing up late for deliveries then going bananas on the nurses. One day he arrived right as the infant was being delivered, started shouting at everyone and throwing instruments. He pulled up the rolling stool to finish the delivery, but before he could sit down the stool rolled away and the good doctor flopped onto the floor like a tuna on “Wicked Tuna.” Similarly, John Merriwether told me when he was ten years old his father dragged him out to the yard on a Saturday so they could spray the plants with the new pump sprayer. John’s Dad pumped the sprayer about 100 times, squeezed the handle, but nothing came out. He started bitching about worthless Chinese products, looked directly into the nozzle, squeezed the handle, and sprayed his face with pesticides. John said you could hear him screaming a mile away even with his Harvard Law degree. Neither of these things were hooked to the internet, but it makes you wonder whether even simple machines have souls like humans.
We’re obsessive compulsive relying on machines and instead have pushed judgement out to pasture. Diane and I use to drive from Florida to NY using a map from AAA, but now I can’t go down the street to the grocery store without looking at Apple IMAPs. Largely this is our collective desire to be perfect and not make mistakes. Tony Barber told me that it’s now like the offense and the defense are in the same huddle, so the ball never leaves mid field. What fun is that? Everyone knows everything, but we ultimately know nothing without judgement. AI can easily replace entire functions – college essays, movie scripts, and wedding vows, but it can never replace the emotion or common sense needed to truly move us. Yes, AI is making medicine more accurate so physicians can make better diagnoses. What it can’t do is decide what actions you are going to take the rest of your life; that’s for you alone to make and live with. With that in mind the best of all my days start in the morning by turning off “The Today Show” and end the day with “Alexa, turn off.” I figure if I still have a pulse then I still have peace of mind. Slainte.
Mr. Pete…I am supposedly teaching Artificial Intelligence currently. That’s because I have a Master’s Degree in technology that is as old as the dinosaurs. 🦖But…I guess it looks good on paper. These days…that is all that really counts. 🙄 (not really)
I wonder someday if I’ll be replaced by a humanoid. 🤖 I don’t think that this is true because I am the one who’s there when the kids have fights with friends or are struggling at home for a myriad of reasons. But… I’ve thought about it this year because I view myself as a facilitator now more than a teacher delivering direct instruction. But to be honest…direct instruction is a dying art. The kids are used to finding information on their own…at a rapid pace…they don’t have time to listen to me (or anyone) ramble. 🥲
Three days after I introduced AI to the kids…an AI friend was introduced on SnapChat. My students were so excited to tell me about it. Meanwhile…I was like…”Wait…you get excited to text a fake human?” They said…”Yes! I can’t wait to hear what my AI friend has to say.” 👀
The program that I use to teach shows all these cool videos about examples of AI. One of them has to do with a particular weed that an AI senses and sprays a chemical to protect the crops. It seemed awesome…but I couldn’t help but wonder…what if it was just six inches off for one day? Who is troubleshooting that? Maybe someone is…or it’s built in to the technology…but they never cover that part.
Also…my car autocorrects me if I go over the median. Which seems great…unless you are trying to avoid a biker. There are some things I can do myself. 😊🚴♀️💕
Cheers Mr. Pete! 💕🪳🍀
Elisa, there have been and will be all types of AI both good and bad with the more expensive being more accurate. Nature tends to work in equilibrium and keep things in check, but AI is man made so the checks and balances will depend on the coders. That’s the scary part. Pete
Another eye opener. I try and think things out with some Common Sense because Artificial Intelligence can be confusing sometimes !
Good one Pete!! Slaintè
Great idea! Only using the AI to help us, not think or reason for us! Stay well!!!🍀
Great blog, Pete! You never fail to amaze me with your insight and humor.
Good morning Pete I still consider myself a common sense guy even though when somebody makes a statement I find myself saying Google it instead of I’ll get back with you after I look it up I’m not worried about the artificial intelligence because I won’t be purchasing it
I still operate my own machinery or toys
But such things as laser levels and computers have taken the guess work or should I say the calculating out of a lot of projects which speeds things up but if we forget how to do it the old way things will never get done if there’s a massive failure of the AI
I love holding an actual book in my hands when I read. People ask why I don’t switch to a tablet; something about the feel of an actual book just gives me comfort like the human touch. Peace of mind is priceless! Great read as usual.🍀