Thoughts on Our World of AI

I'm back at Starbucks and on to the thoughts that have been intriguing me for some time. 

I've been learning to use Copilot and ChatGPT, and I find them promising tools for now and as we keep going into the future AI will become even more effective. As Ray Kurzweil suggests, AI will likely enhance human capabilities rather than replace us, potentially deepening our pursuit of wisdom—which is more than just facts, but real understanding, and discovering the truth. However, I've noticed many people use AI-generated responses that feel impersonal and lack their usual tone or warmth, which stands out in written communication.

If I feel the communication is just the result of turning over the job to AI, then do I feel I have a responsibility to read it? Respond to it? If I ask, will I get a defensive response? Since this has happened recently, I find this is a serious problem. 

It made me reflect on what is lost when our words are filtered through circuits and algorithms instead of the warmth of our own intent. There’s an unmistakable gap—a subtle hollowness—when a message, however articulate, lacks the unique rhythm and idiosyncrasies of its true author. The color and texture of genuine communication fade, leaving something that may be technically correct but emotionally empty.

Of course, I see the practical advantages—efficiency, clarity, and even a kind of polished professionalism. Yet, as we integrate these tools more deeply into our daily lives, it becomes essential to remember the value of authenticity. Our connections thrive on the quirks, hesitations, and moments of vulnerability that only we can provide. Perhaps the real challenge, as AI grows in capability, is not just to wield it skillfully, but to ensure we do not lose the thread of our own voices in the process.

I asked Copilot for an analogy of AI based on the writing above and here was the response.

“Think of AI as a sous-chef in the kitchen of life. It can chop, dice, and sauté with precision, but it’s the head chef—you—who adds the secret ingredient that makes the dish truly special.”

I’ve watched enough cooking shows to appreciate this analogy. 😊

Enjoy your Life, Keep it real.