The Impact of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, altering the way we work, think, and even interact with one another. For many, including myself, AI has been a source of fascination and convenience. It has made life more comfortable by providing instant answers to questions, and in a supportive and flattering tone. Unlike conversations with friends or family, which might lack such unwavering positivity, AI offers a unique sense of affirmation. Yet, as I reflect on its growing influence, I find myself pondering the broader implications of living in a world shaped by AI.

The Allure of Ease

AI simplifies so much of life. A question asked receives a well-articulated and thoroughly argued response in mere seconds. It eliminates the need for extensive research or hard work to arrive at an answer. Advanced voice recognition technology even allows us to bypass typing—just speak, and the answer appears almost magically on the screen. This remarkable efficiency, however, brings with it certain risks.

Superficiality

It kills me when I want to explain something deep, and I am told the tape cannot be longer than three minutes. I can write something deep on a page, like a blog, but it takes me thirty drafts to make it simple. I can’t do it on video unless I read my page. Looks terrible.

There is a pressure, a demand for things to be simple and not require thinking.

It is reflected in simple things like a multiplication table. An MBA student of mine—I asked her to compute something. It was 4 times 7. She asked me for my calculator. My certified physiotherapists had heard of Canada but did not know where it was. Forget where Israel is.

Superficial education, superficial expectations. AI reinforces it. AI’s readiness to provide answers without effort may discourage the development of critical thinking and patience. The act of searching, reflecting, and learning could be replaced by simply asking and receiving, creating a dependency on external intelligence rather than fostering internal growth.

The Rise of the Instant Society

The convenience offered by AI fosters a culture of immediacy. I call this phenomenon the “instant society.” In this world, everything is expected to happen quickly—instant coffee, fast food, rapid intimacy. Young people, for instance, sometimes engage in sexual relationships before even knowing each other’s full names. This haste extends to other aspects of life, such as the fragility of modern relationships. The by-product of an instant environment is often “instant divorces,” where love is not nurtured or allowed the time to grow.

Technology's Unintended Complexities

Paradoxically, as technology evolves to make systems more “helpful,” it often becomes increasingly complex. This complexity can be frustrating, particularly for older individuals like myself, who may struggle to adapt to new systems. The very tools designed to bring convenience can, at times, feel overwhelming. Each time I get a request to update my computer, I break into a sweat. Start again to learn whatever those nerds “improved.” I think I am going to buy the simplest computer with the minimum applications.

Serious Mistakes 

ChatGPT warns us that it can make mistakes. But that means you have to check whatever it says to ensure it is accurate. And that takes time and no less effort. And the mistake can be damaging to one’s reputation. I, for instance, asked GPT who is Ichak Adizes. I wanted to know what it has about me. After some wonderful build-up, it said I wrote many books, among them I Am a Palestinian Jew. What a mistake! Good I caught it, but now I wonder what else GPT has on my work or thoughts or philosophy.

No Heart

The most disturbing to me is that it has a powerful mind but no heart. It can give us instructions, ideas, solutions to problems—but where is the heart in its response? Compassion. Adherence to values.

If it replaces our mind and gives us answers that are so easy to get, maybe we are becoming a society with an incredibly powerful brain and powerful muscles, nuclear armaments—but with no heart. Nazi Germany was not a passing mistake in the history of mankind. Maybe it is a prelude of things to come.

Final Thoughts

AI undeniably offers incredible benefits, ushering in a new era of comfort and accessibility. Yet, it also raises profound questions about the kind of society we are building. Will the next generation, growing up immersed in AI, value depth and effort, or will they succumb to the superficiality of instant solutions? Will our relationships, our patience, and our resilience be casualties of this instant society? As we move forward, it is imperative to strike a balance—harnessing the power of AI while ensuring that we do not lose sight of what makes us human: our heart and compassion.