Why we need AI literacy
On the 30th of November 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, a large language model that shook the online world. Many people realized that the age of AI may have finally begun and that we are facing a technological revolution as big as the invention of the computer itself.
The sudden emergence of AI technology has brought about a great deal of uncertainty. Many are left wondering how AI will impact their work and if their jobs will still exist in the next 2, 5, or 10 years. The rapid adoption of ChatGPT, which gained over a million users within a week of its release, has sparked a frenzy of discussion and analysis in the form of articles and videos. As the world rapidly changes, one skill has become increasingly important for the future: understanding and utilizing AI.
What is AI literacy?
AI literacy is the key to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence for non-technical individuals. It enables one to harness AI's capabilities as a powerful tool, teacher, or advisor, in order to boost productivity and enhance the quality of life, rather than being hindered by it. By mastering AI literacy, one can make the most of this cutting-edge technology and stay ahead of the curve.
Why do we need AI literacy?
Knowing how to use ChatGPT and similar tools now can give us a rough idea of where this whole thing is going to take us.
It may be like having an additional brain or having an assistant. It seems like anyone can have a highly skilled team at their disposal. The necessary skill set to thrive in this environment becomes one of management. How can I manage AI tools to optimize my productivity?
For example, there are now copywriting agencies that employ only a few actual copywriters, making use of OpenAI’s technology to generate sales copy, tweak it, correct it, insert some facts here and there, and deliver it. What does it mean to be a good copywriter in this environment?
The work of a doctor is also going to change. Imagine being able to come up with hundreds of diagnoses and treatment plans a day while taking the whole history of the patient into account. Every minute detail can be compiled by ChatGPT into a comprehensive report, aiding decision-making in every step of the way. What does it mean to be a doctor in this environment?
We can also consider the work of a lawyer. Going through old cases and legal documents at the click of a button would mean the elimination of paperwork. You might have a hypothesis and then work on that, do research, read, but now these questions can be resolved a lot faster. Where do you put your attention then?
By utilizing AI tools in these fields, the focus shifts from the technical work to the needs and concerns of the patients or customers. As an intermediary between the AI and the customer, one's role becomes increasingly important in ensuring that the right questions are being asked to optimize the effectiveness of these tools. Even the most advanced AI technology is ineffective without proper guidance and inquiry.
How can we acquire AI literacy?
We are now in a situation where we have a field that is completely new. My work may not be anymore to give answers like a doctor gives out diagnoses, but to ask the right questions to an AI model. Currently, many people try to figure out how to come up with good prompts, but as prompting becomes less technical, it will also become more human. It forces us to think deeper about the nature of what we want. Imagine having an artist on hand that paints everything you tell him. Are you actually able to describe what you want in a way that leads to the desired output? How effective are you in telling an artist to do what you want him to do? Many people already struggle with telling others what they want, so this becomes even more difficult with AI models because they are not people and may not behave in ways that are intuitive for us. Underestimating or overestimating what a model is capable of both leads to ineffective usage, and deciding what is possible can only be done through experience.
Ultimately, understanding the various applications and best practices of AI is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field. By studying a wide range of use cases and learning from the successes and failures of others, we can continually improve our own approach to utilizing AI. Platforms like AI-iterate play a crucial role in this process by aggregating and organizing this information in a user-friendly manner.
In summary
AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives, and it's crucial that we learn how to effectively utilize it in order to stay ahead of its effects on our work. The most effective way to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's capabilities is by examining real-world examples and case studies of its implementation