There’s been a lot of internet photons used up recently discussing how artificial intelligence will allow us all to sit at home with our feet up watching daytime television while the robot chef makes our beans and toast, let’s see if we can work out the advantages and disadvantages.

Medical

Let’s start with the medical world. AI computer systems can be trained to detect cancer cells from MRI images and other scanning techniques, They can also detect cancer cells quickly during operations where a sample can be taken, put under a microscope and AI will provide an answer within 3 minutes. You can also see a scenario where lots of images can be analysed very quickly. Doctors can also use AI to search research information to help them with the latest treatments across the medical world.

So, in medicine AI gets a tick ~✓

Chat GPT

The chat GPT App has also been in the media recently. I downloaded it to my Ipad and asked to write a story about a pirate and an article about James Clerk Maxwell. Within seconds it had come up with the following. Certainly good enough for high school homework. But that would be cheating. 😁

Captain Blackbeard, known for his fearsome reputation and a beard as dark as his heart, sailed the treacherous seas in search of legendary treasure. With a crew of loyal buccaneers, he navigated through storms and battled rival pirates.

One moonlit night, they discovered a mysterious map leading to the elusive Isle of Shadows. Determined to claim the hidden riches, Blackbeard set sail with anticipation. As they approached the eerie island, whispers of ghostly curses filled the air.

The crew, undeterred by superstitions, landed on the desolate shore. They faced perilous challenges, solving riddles and braving traps. Deep within a hidden cave, the pirates unearthed a chest adorned with ancient symbols.

As Blackbeard triumphantly opened the chest, a spectral mist enveloped the crew. The ghosts of past adventurers, guardians of the cursed treasure, emerged. The apparitions demanded a choice: eternal servitude or forsaking the riches.

In a surprising twist, Captain Blackbeard, motivated by a glimmer of remorse, chose to release the spirits from their spectral bonds. The ghosts, grateful for their freedom, transformed into ethereal allies.

With newfound allies, Blackbeard and his crew sailed away from the Isle of Shadows, leaving the cursed treasure behind. The redeemed pirates, guided by the ghosts, sought a new purpose on the high seas—a tale of redemption and the unexpected bonds formed between the living and the departed.

James Clerk Maxwell: Unraveling the Secrets of Electromagnetism

James Clerk Maxwell, born on June 13, 1831, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a pioneering physicist whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern physics, particularly in the field of electromagnetism.

Maxwell’s early years showcased his exceptional intellect, and by the age of 14, he had already written a scientific paper on the construction of oval curves. His academic journey led him to the University of Edinburgh, where he continued to excel in mathematics and physics. Later, he pursued further studies at Cambridge, making significant contributions to the field of thermodynamics.

One of Maxwell’s most remarkable achievements was his formulation of the Maxwell’s Equations—a set of four fundamental equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. These equations, published in the 1860s, united previously disparate theories on electricity and magnetism, providing a comprehensive framework that revolutionized the understanding of electromagnetism.

Maxwell’s Equations not only predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves but also revealed that light itself is an electromagnetic phenomenon. This groundbreaking revelation bridged the gap between optics and electromagnetism, marking a pivotal moment in the history of physics.

In 1873, Maxwell published “A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism,” a comprehensive compilation of his work, where he eloquently presented his equations and their implications. This seminal work became a cornerstone for subsequent generations of physicists and laid the groundwork for Albert Einstein’s later development of the theory of relativity.

Beyond his contributions to theoretical physics, Maxwell’s impact extended to practical applications. His work laid the foundation for technologies like radio, television, and radar, which would shape the future of communication and technology.

Maxwell’s brilliance was not confined to the realm of physics; he also made substantial contributions to color theory. His work on color perception and the development of the first color photograph demonstrated his interdisciplinary prowess.

Tragically, Maxwell’s life was cut short when he succumbed to abdominal cancer at the age of 48 in 1879. Despite his relatively short lifespan, his legacy endures, and his equations remain a cornerstone of physics, influencing generations of scientists and engineers.

James Clerk Maxwell’s profound insights into the nature of electromagnetism and his unification of seemingly disparate theories have left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape. His work not only advanced our understanding of the physical world but also paved the way for numerous technological innovations that continue to shape our modern lives.

I think there are some useful things AI apps like chat GPT could be used for, maybe the base for a homework piece or stimulation for a writer/blogger who’s struggling to start a short story. However it’s not going to replace original writing.

Verdict chat GPT _ jury’s out

Gaming

I think my first known introduction to AI in games was about 15+ years ago. I’d encouraged my wife to use the computer a bit more. She loves scrabble and id found an online forum where she could play people from all over the world. She liked it so I left her one afternoon and headed to the living room to watch football in peace.

The scrabble site worked by matching players of similar skill and things worked really well for a while. The following weekend my wife decided to play another session. Things were fine for a while but then I started to hear some mumbling, it got louder so I went to check, I found my wife cursing at the computer.

‘ what’s wrong ‘ I asked

‘ This is not right, as soon as I place my tiles they place theirs within a second plus they’ve managed to get all seven tiles out TWICE!’

It was when I asked her who she was playing it clicked.

‘Big Blue? What skill level are they?’

‘ There were only 2 people on and they don’t have a grading‘

She played another go and right enough her opponent replied within a femtosecond,

‘I think you’re playing against a computer ‘

‘ What!’

She’d met AI for the first time. Despite being a good scrabble player (well she certainly could beat me all the time 🤣) she couldn’t get the better of Big Blue. She admitted defeat and never played the game again.

Nowadays AI is in all games and virtual worlds are becoming a thing. As long as it’s fun and a person doesn’t spend their entire life in a pretend world it might be ok but……………..

Verdict A bit scary

Online Assistants

This week I wanted some help as my new credit card wouldn’t link to Apple Pay, my wife suggested the banks online chat. So, I logged in and I was pleased with how quickly help appeared .

‘ How can I help you?’

I explained my problem to my new online friend.

‘ OK log into your banking app and register your card blah blah blah’

‘ I have already done this?’

Within seconds he was asking me ifI needed any more help and thanking me for contacting him.

Then he was gone and I was no further forward.it was obvious i’d been dealing with an AI bot. Absolutely useless to man nor beast!

If companies continue to replace real people with these things we are in real trouble.

Verdict awful

Once of the main things I have against AI taking over the world is people like Elon Musk telling us it’s inevitable and for the better. People need to earn money to buy things. How are they going to do that without a job to go to. I love the World Wide Web but global reach brings many negatives. AI will do the same, we need to be careful what we allow it todo and how we use it.