Understanding AI in the Face of ChatGPT

AI isn’t simply good or bad. Like everything, it’s a nuanced issue. AI can help us do countless things more efficiently, but it can also be dangerous. Learn more.

Whether you’ve realized it or not, we’ve been using artificial intelligence (AI) for years in our search algorithms, phone facial recognition systems, and voice assistants. However, nothing has caused the general public to take notice of AI like ChatGPT has. This AI chatbot developed by OpenAI can quickly generate text that reads as if it were written by a human. Using a database of content, predictive text algorithms, and artificial intelligence, ChatGPT can sift through billions of sources in its database to return human-like responses to users’ questions and prompts.

Concerns about AI certainly aren’t anything new, but the release of ChatGPT kicked everything into overdrive. Instead of being an abstract concept for future generations to deal with, artificial intelligence is now here — and it’s making people nervous regarding its impact on jobs and civilization. In fact, an open letter calling for a six-month moratorium on AI development was published and signed by thousands of AI experts and industry leaders, including Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, Evan Sharp, Andrew Yang, and Yoshua Bengio.

While many of the concerns in the letter are valid, the issue isn’t so straightforward. AI actually presents many benefits when used correctly. But before we dive into how AI can help us, let’s first go over some potential dangers of the technology.

The Dangers of AI

Luckily, ChatGPT and other forms of generative artificial intelligence aren’t quite up to what media like Ex Machina, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Westworld show us, but that doesn’t mean the technology isn’t without its risks. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can lead to:

• Disruption: Experts predict that 300 million jobs could be lost due to generative AI, with 19% of jobs in the U.S. disappearing. After all, AI can interrupt the trucking and customer service industries, taking over drivers’ and service reps’ positions, but it can also go further, impacting industries like financial trading, radiology, or advertising.
• Plagiarism and cheating: Since ChatGPT and other forms of AI can synthesize sources in their database to produce fleshed-out answers in complete sentences, students can use it to write papers. Teachers can still usually tell when AI is used, as the technology isn’t quite capable of writing in a style that flawlessly imitates how the student using it would write, but that may change as the technology advances.
• Accuracy issues: If ChatGPT can’t give an answer, it may make one up — and you’ll be none the wiser if you don’t have previous knowledge of the subject or don’t carefully check its answers.
• Cybersecurity risks: Already businesses are struggling to protect themselves from bad actors, with cyberattacks increasing by 38% in 2022 alone. The rise of artificial intelligence will only worsen the problem, making it more challenging to spot phishing attacks and allowing hackers to use deepfake voice clones to gain access to sensitive information or order workers to perform actions that open the door for hackers.
• Reputational risks: AI is the sparkly new technology on the block, which means everyone is paying attention to the technology itself and its users. Unfortunately, AI can be biased and impact everything from hiring to lending patterns, which can reflect poorly on companies and lead to PR nightmares. Moreover, artificial intelligence can significantly affect customer relationships, as 75% of consumers are disappointed by the customer service that chatbots provide and 30% will stop patronizing a business following a poor AI customer service experience.
• Legal risks: We’ve already seen a blueprint for the AI Bill of Rights, the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022, and an AI Risk Management Framework — and new regulations are likely coming. Companies need to stay up to date on the latest legal requirements to ensure they remain compliant and avoid legal risks.
• Operational risks: Employees can misuse ChatGPT and other AI solutions — whether intentionally or not — leading to the loss of sensitive information. AI can also get things wrong on its own, whether that’s telling businesses to order more products too soon or suggesting dangerous medical treatments. This could prove extremely dangerous.

It’s worth noting that, while generative AI is currently the hot-button topic, not all forms of AI fall under the generative category. We also have predictive AI, analytical AI, visual AI, and functional AI, each with its own use cases, benefits, and dangers.

The Benefits of AI

While there are some valid concerns about AI, it’s important to remember that the technology actually has many benefits in practical applications when utilized correctly.

For one, AI can reduce human error. While workers may make mistakes if they’re distracted, tired, or stressed, AI-driven solutions can function perfectly around the clock, assuming they are programmed correctly. An AI solution can apply algorithms to make decisions based on the information it has been trained on, resulting in increased accuracy and precision in everything from weather forecasts to finances.

Plus, artificial intelligence can make decisions faster than humans. If you’ve ever played chess against a computer, you’ve seen how the algorithms enable your opponent to make the best possible move quickly. Now think about taking that efficiency to the next level in a business or organization. AI doesn’t need to worry about the emotional side of things and won’t get decision fatigue, meaning it can make decisions and take action almost instantly.

What’s more, AI can work around the clock, 365 days a year. While humans work roughly eight hours a day (often taking breaks, sick days, and vacations), AI doesn’t have the same limitations. There is no need to ensure AI has the perfect work-life balance or enough PTO. With AI, companies, educational institutes, and helpline centers can provide customers with support at all times.

AI can also take over some jobs humans don’t want to do. Not only can AI perform repetitive tasks like verifying documents, chatting with customers online, or sending thank-you emails, giving employees more time to innovate and focus on meaningful activities, but the technology can also limit risks workers are exposed to. AI robots can handle everything from coal mining, to bomb diffusion, to deep ocean exploration.

Artificial intelligence can also play an important role when it comes to cybersecurity. Businesses and organizations can better protect their data and systems from bad actors by using AI in cybersecurity applications. After all, AI can quickly and consistently identify threats around the clock, unlike IT teams who need rest or may take a break at the exact wrong time.

AI can spot intrusions and vulnerabilities, preventing them from occurring in the first place, quickly isolating them to avoid further damage, and even learning from past intrusions. In the face of constant and ever-evolving cyber threats, this is invaluable.

In short, artificial intelligence has plenty to offer in nearly every facet of our lives and businesses, but it’s not the end all be all on its own. It all depends on how it’s used — and at Turn-key Technologies, Inc. (TTI), elements of AI and machine learning can be found in many of the solutions that we offer in order to provide the best possible user experience.

For example, the cloud networking solution Aruba Central is driven by AI-powered insights. Aruba Central gathers and analyzes data from clients to predict failures. As a result, HPE can ship new parts to clients before a failure even occurs, saving everyone stress. Artificial intelligence is also a key component in many of the video surveillance systems we offer. Not only can AI quickly identify anomalies and unusual movement patterns, but it can also alert staff, allowing them to take action immediately.

Leverage AI with TTI’s Help

While AI may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that it has plenty to offer when leveraged correctly. One area where it has proved remarkably effective over the years is in the cybersecurity space. In fact, if you want top-notch cybersecurity, you need a company that leverages AI to strengthen its services while providing expert data interpretations that take AI further.

While plenty of IT companies are out there, TTI goes above and beyond the competition. We have a proven track record and have been using AI to support our cybersecurity offerings for years. We can implement AI-supported cybersecurity solutions that can help protect you from bad actors around the clock.

Talk to one of our experts today to start leveling up your cybersecurity today!