Sir, – I refer to Richard Pine’s article about AI, in which he criticises ChatGPT for generating misinformation (“There are lies, damned lies and AI: why I despise ‘artificial intelligence’,” Opinion, August 22nd).
I am certainly no expert in this area, but in my limited experience, ChatGPT can be very accurate and useful when asked carefully constructed and specific questions.
AI is an extremely powerful new technology, so powerful that there is really no doubt it will be widely applied as we go forward. Some forms of AI have already proved their worth, such as in diagnostic medical radiology. This technology is also comprehensively controlled, ensuring it cannot be used unethically.
But there are, undoubtedly, grave risks involved in developing and employing “machines that can think”. Remember the AI computer onboard the spaceship in 2001: A Space Odyssey? The computer tells astronaut Dave Bowman he can’t comply with his request to open the bay doors and allow him re-enter the spaceship.
In my opinion, Richard Pine is far too negative in his overall assessment of AI. There is no doubt that AI will be widely applied as we go forward. We must therefore focus all our efforts on ensuring this new technology is employed safely and ethically.
This will inevitably mean we must proceed slower in employing AI than many people would wish. But caution is of the essence here. Mistakes could be disastrous and irreversible. – Yours, etc,
WILLIAM REVILLE,
Emeritus Professor,
UCC,
Cork.