Machines with increasingly sophisticated AI are a necessity. We also need to prepare ourselves to live side by side with machines that are getting smarter and use them as tools to achieve the benefit of mankind.
By
RICO USTHAVIA FRANS
·5 minutes read
SALOMO TOBING
Rico Usthavia Frans
ChatGPT has become a hot topic. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) application with a chatbot interface launched by OpenAI, late last year. Simply by typing a question or a short command, we can ask ChatGPT to answer various questions, write computer programs, design marketing strategies and even write papers.
There are three things that make ChatGPT an important breakthrough. First, ChatGPT is not just a search engine like Google that functions to find articles, images, videos and digital content published on the internet.
ChatGPT is designed to synthesize answers based on knowledge gathered by continuous learning (machine learning) processes. The more often it is used, the more comprehensive and accurate the response will be. Therefore, ChatGPT is predicted to become a Google killer.
Second, ChatGPT is a practical implementation of AI that ordinary people can enjoy right away. AI has been widely used, but generally for corporate purposes. Google, for example, uses it to improve search engine performance, whereas social media platforms use it to serve relevant content to users.
ChatGPT is different because even ordinary people can now enjoy the sophistication and benefits of AI. The analogy is like in the 1980s when people only realized the benefits of computers after personal computers appeared with applications, such as word processors, spreadsheets and electronic mail for personal use.
Third, the ChatGPT interface, which is a chatbot with natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, is easy to use. ChatGPT can immediately respond to questions or commands given. It is as if we are interacting with an expert using everyday language.
ChatGPT is different because even ordinary people can now enjoy the sophistication and benefits of AI.
This has driven the growth of ChatGPT users to reach hundreds of millions in just a few months. The popularity of ChatGPT has led to the proliferation of other AI chatbots with specialized uses, such as image and video processing, programming and solving mathematical problems.
One of the controversies of AI engines like ChatGPT is that it is easy to use to write papers. This raises concerns related to the possibility of plagiarism. However, in a broader context, such a thing is similar to using a calculator. In elementary school, we are taught the basic concepts of manual counting and are not allowed to use calculators. After that, the calculator is just a tool. It is more important what we calculate and the results of the calculation compared with debating whether we calculate it manually or with the help of a calculator.
For common people
With a system like ChatGPT, complex tasks that previously could only be done by people with certain skills can now be done by ordinary people. This raises concerns about the potential loss of some jobs in the future. However, there is also nothing to worry about.
In the past, there was a typist profession. With the advent of computers, typing is no longer a specialized skill. Personal computers with word processing applications simplify and democratize document creation. The photography profession has also become a niche due to the emergence of portable cameras and camera cell phones. Everyone can now be a photographer.
Something similar will happen with photo and video editing which previously required special skills and applications. Now, by simply uploading photos and videos and typing simple commands, we can manipulate photos or videos without having to learn to use applications like Photoshop. In the future, we will focus on ideas and creativity rather than content creation. Content creation can be done automatically by machines that are getting smarter.
In the financial world, banks and financial technology (fintech) use AI to analyze credit and various other purposes. The credit analysis function, which was previously carried out by dozens of people, has been replaced by machines. The role of loan collectors in several fintech companies has also begun to be shifted to robots with the ability to negotiate with debtors.
Several securities and trading companies have started using algorithmic trading. The role of the trader is replaced by a machine that is able to read trends and react faster. In general, companies must prepare for shifts in job skills requirements.
In the health sector, computers are starting to accurately diagnose disease. This has the potential to help address the shortage of medical personnel as doctors will focus more on complex matters. The initial diagnosis process, even simple medical treatments, can be carried out by machines or paramedics. In the field of law, an AI system has been developed to help lawyers analyze legal issues and recommend optimal legal steps.
Considering the phenomena above, one of the things that we must fundamentally and immediately change is our education system. Our education system is derived from the need to produce employees for industry. Unfortunately, for several hundred years this has not changed much.
We also need to prepare ourselves to live side by side with machines that are getting smarter and use them as tools to achieve the benefit of mankind.
An education system that focuses on memorization and numeracy is no longer sufficient to anticipate future job needs because computers or machines are certainly more reliable and faster to store and present information and perform even complex calculations. They are well-suited for repetitive work with high frequency and volume, are tireless, do not complain, do not ask for a raise and do not have personal problems like human workers.
To anticipate this, our education must focus on the ability to formulate and solve problems, sharpen intuition, improve creative skills, as well as character and leadership education. Machines with increasingly sophisticated AI are a necessity. We also need to prepare ourselves to live side by side with machines that are getting smarter and use them as tools to achieve the benefit of mankind.
RICO USTHAVIA FRANS, a member of the Steering Committee of the Indonesia Fintech Society (IFSOC)
