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Artificial Intelligence, popularly known as AI, is a tool and a gift to mankind, designed to make work easier for humans. But as we all know, every good thing has its own negative side. So, just as there are many benefits to using AI, the disadvantages also exist and should not be ignored.
AI is like makeup. Makeup doesn't make you beautiful, rather, it enhances the beauty you already have. In the same way, AI doesn't make you knowledgeable, it only helps to enhance the knowledge you already possess.
So I always say, we should learn to use AI as a tool and not let AI use us. Because even AI software is programmed by humans and is bound to make mistakes. To avoid these simple mistakes, you must know what you want to achieve and have an idea of the expected result before giving AI a command. If you don't even know what you want, there is a high chance, about 60 percent, that AI will give you something similar, but not exactly what you are looking for, and you may accept it completely without question.
Just like the computer term GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out; what you input and the command you give is exactly what AI will return. This means you must know the subject or task yourself first, and then allow AI to enhance your knowledge or support your work.
This becomes even more critical in academic research. These days, most research works are submitted for plagiarism checks, and once anything questionable is detected, the work is rejected. That is why we must learn to use AI as a supportive tool, not depend on it entirely, because it is just that, a tool.
But on the other hand, is AI a threat? Well, it depends on the angle you are looking from. As I said earlier, every good thing has its negative side. Some workers in companies may see AI as a threat, because some employers may decide to relieve certain staff of their duties and retain only those who can work with the latest technology and understand how to give AI accurate instructions. To avoid being left behind, workers must continue to upgrade and improve to meet modern standards.
However, one job that I believe AI can never threaten is teaching. The role of a physical teacher in the life of learners cannot be overemphasized. The care and guidance that teachers provide are things AI cannot offer. In the education sector, AI is mostly used by educators as a tool for research, but the actual implementation and engagement with students are done by the teachers.
Still, AI poses a potential threat to the future of education in another sense. Learners in this generation enjoy convenience and shortcuts. Many of them rely entirely on AI, especially when it comes to essay writing. This becomes a threat to their personal growth and future because, when faced with real-life situations where AI is not available, they may struggle. Any good teacher understands the capacity of their students, and when AI is used to do assignments, the teacher can tell.
It is now the responsibility of both parents and teachers to guide students on how to use these tools properly and not allow the tools to control them.
In summary, AI is good and should be treated as a tool and used as one, instead of allowing it to use us. AI becomes a threat when we rely on it completely, which means we are now being controlled by AI instead of the other way around.
