Don’t let AI make you dumber

The recent column in The Free Press discusses the potential negative consequences of artificial intelligence on human intelligence and intellectual pursuits. The author expresses concern that the skeptics might view humanity as simply seeking to relax and abandon curiosity once AI takes care of basic life functions and higher goals such as scientific research.

However, the author believes that this view does not reflect the general human condition. Many people in the middle class with strong intellectual pursuits, such as improving sports performance, cooking skills, or learning new hobbies, show that there is value in spending leisure time on interesting and stimulating activities.

The author argues that with the rise of AI, more people will have the opportunity to engage in learning and exploration during their free time, rather than merely decompressing. Jobs that remain demanding, like cybersecurity, will continue to provide intellectual stimulation. Although the author has given up the hope of proving new theorems in mathematical economics, they still find intellectual and creative pursuits fulfilling.

They utilize AI to enhance their understanding of classical music by asking questions about recordings and specific movements. The author is not discouraged by the competition with AI but welcomes the increased knowledge it brings, leading to more live concert attendance.

The author suggests that AI can also assist in proofreading and fact-checking, allowing them to focus on reading authors like China Mieville. Overall, the column emphasizes the importance of not allowing AI to make individuals dumber, as there are numerous ways to benefit from its advancements in terms of intellectual growth and personal enrichment.