Where will Artificial Intelligence (AI) take us? – By Noor Rahim
With the growth and advancement of technology, we have the surreptitious growth of Artificial Intelligence that is creeping within the inner mechanism of inputs into the computer and other electronic devices. As long as inputs are made by humans “AI” will surely absorb them into the system and spew it out to the user/other users.
The God given human functions of the body have now taken such a back seat by the users of “AI” that the folks have taken the undesirable, lackadaisical attitude of “AI” in solving problems, and seeking instantaneous solutions that are available to them on “AI”. I guess one day in the future “AI” will dictate to the its disciple – The human being. We are now acting as Robots to “AI”
On one hand, “AI” with reasonable use may help one, but on the other it could destroy the use of the human brain and create “dependency” (including “over-confidence”)
As parents and mature adults, please do give this lurking technology some serious thoughts with foremost importance of the effects on children of this and future generations.
In continuation of this subject – Deterioration in the aftermath of usage is likely if we do misuse this feature, unless it is absolutely necessary. Just imagine a young mind not being able to get the benefits of the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) in school. Even though one must admit
some adults do indulge in “AI” – Mostly for convenience, I guess.
Yes, most of us have “AI” down loaded or have it surreptitiously crept into the program and uploaded it into the realm of our I-Pad, I-Phone devices. The current is called “Hey Siri” being the frequently used words now in vogue.
All you have to do is “Power On” your electronic devise and say “Hey Siri” how much is 1 + 1 the answer is an instantaneous 2. Now is this really an educational and intelligent path for young/growing minds of children? You be the judge.
Along with “AI” comes the burden of unsolicited “Millstones” around the neck – Lack of creativity, collectivity, hobbies, out-door games/indoor activities and other developing and
healthy practices. No more do we see children running around their houses, playing games with other children e.g. “Cowboys and Indians”, “Hide and Seek”, “Touch and Run” etc. “out-door
activity”. Playing in-door – Board Games, such as: Snakes and ladders, Ludo or construction kits such as Meccano sets or Building blocks. Of course, these may now be incorporated as
programs in computer and other electronic devices. Hence it loses the communicative process between the player to a very great extent. Even the very popular game of Hop Scotch is long gone. No more do you see the courts drawn on with colorful chalk.
The days of the pedal tricycles and cars are long gone – Now replaced by electric (Battery
operated ones) The only game that remains among, is the musical chair – more or less played by adults at parties.
As for the hobbies, the most popular were collecting stamps/coins and other desirable and
collectable items. I still remember the pamphlets distributed at the cinema that gave a colorful description of the show that was being projected. Another was in the 50’s when we collected Bubble Gum pictures. The pictures of film stars were wrapped in the package and was a
collector item. They were in fact photographs. I lived in the millennia; and I know not what the mindset of the “Now” generation; but I do know I indulged in the hobby. I still have my stamp album well preserved and protected – Very proud that I possess it with almost many vintage stamps from many parts of the world. Educational as it is a lesson in geography too.
The old adage of “Forewarned is Forearmed” has lost its meaning. Sadly, replaced by “When I come to the water (stream) – I’ll cross it (With just a whisper of “Siri” find me a route around the water”)
The adventure in the journey has disappeared as you do not need to navigate. Google has taken over and show you the adjusted/suggested route. Very soon you lose your knack for finding your way through the streets. Map reading has lost its meaning and you either stop and seek help from those in the neighborhood or remain lost till help reaches you. I wonder if the
aircraft too is dependant on “AI” and flies without Mercator plotting maps or Topographical maps. What if the “GPS” fails? I often remember an East European pilot say “If you meet with an accident on ground there you are; but if you meet with an accident in the air – Where are you?”
Noor Rahim
August 4,2025
