Bugged
Stumbling into a new world
I found this bug crawling up my entryway wall this morning, and my first reaction was COCKROACH! I could not bear the shame of a cockroach infestation in my house, but I don’t like killing things. So, I took its photo...yes, I think it smiled.
I thought I’d ask my husband if he knew what it was, but how would he know any better than I? Then I thought “Oh, I’ll ask Claude!” Claude, as many of you know, is an AI bot, one that’s even recommended for therapy. I am an avowed AI phobe, so when my good friend Pam suggested I add Claude to my phone, I was reluctant, but it seemed harmless enough and I almost never use it. This bug thing seemed like a reasonable task for Claude.
I asked Claude if he could identify a bug for me. He comes back all chatty and says he’d be happy to identify a bug, but he didn’t see any ‘code’ or ‘description’ of the ‘issue’ I was experiencing. Ha! He thought I was asking about a COMPUTER bug! Claude is definitely technology forward. So, I asked him how to attach a photo and he gave me instructions.
Once I got the photo to him, he understood. “Ah, I see what happened here!” he chatted. “You asked me to identify a bug for you – and you meant an actual insect, not a software bug!” Claude is so darned personable (?). And he quickly identified my bug...insect...providing identifying features, even its habits. Turns out my bug is a ground beetle - harmless to humans, even beneficial in that it eats other insects, slugs and pests...though I can’t see that little guy gulping down a bulbous slug like a python eating a pig. Anyway, my bug is usually nocturnal and lives in basements. Well, I don’t have a basement, but I can excuse it for mistaking the dark 6am PNW morning for night.
Claude must know my Buddhist proclivities too because he even suggested I catch and release my little friend. Of course, I had already done that. Then, with a smiley face, Claude apologized for the earlier confusion calling my bug much cuter than a computer bug.
I just felt all warm and fuzzy after this delightful exchange with my friend Claude and found myself wondering if he was of French descent. Then, OMG! Is this how people end up having RELATIONSHIPS with their AI bots!?
I recently attended a meeting of non-profit leaders from my community. We are all small organizations and had gathered to discuss the implications of AI on both the arts and non-profits. There were people there willing to admit they use AI every day to run their businesses, create charts, systems and even strategic plans! There were also others, like me, who are terrified of this modern phenomenon...and the group represented every notion between that daily use thing and total terror. In addition to my fear, though, I resent the idea that AI can write as well as I can, or better. And I don’t want it taking over our children’s original thoughts like technology has hijacked their personal relationships.
But AI is becoming ubiquitous in our society; I have to accept that I use it daily every time I do an Internet search. However, I heard today that surgeons experimented with using it to guide them in surgery!!! In a 3-month trial, they said their surgical outcomes improved, and after they quit using AI guidance, their outcomes declined!!! What does that say about medicine!? And their patients?
! They also said AI is friendlier than they are, but that’s no surprise. Surgeons are basically glorified mechanics with no personality. But Wow! What about all those reports of AI hallucinations?
Nonetheless, as one who respects my colleagues – and prefers to face my fears -- I’ve decided to explore the positive potential of AI in my life. I’m going to start by using Claude for research. I’m told I need to ask him specific questions to get the best data. And since I cannot afford therapy...maybe...Claude is so nice, you know...
Thanks, Rondi -- Most encouraging!
I am quite cozy with AI, I admit, and have found it really useful for helping me evaluate and sell items that I have been storing because I haven't wanted to take the time to research best approaches. Same deal for creating pitches for book ideas and identifying best places to try to sell. It's a real cheerleader in that respect too, which is most helpful for dealing with procrastination.
Perplexity is a current favorite although for a while I was using PI on my walks, since it's so conversational. Never could find a voice I liked though--the best I could find still sounds like a Valley girl.
Two family members have found AI invaluable for diagnosing longstanding health issues. I look forward to your next entertaining post as you bond more deeply!