Written by Shelley Divari
Our excitement and fear grow as the use of artificial intelligence expands. Recently, Professor Jean Lee of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Old Dominion University answered some questions about technology.
Li’s research is in applied machine learning and the development and customization of machine learning algorithms to solve real engineering problems. Her recent research interests focus on remote sensing image analysis, generative AI models for image transformation, time-series forecasting, and applications in cybersecurity.
Q: Can you explain what artificial intelligence/machine learning is and more specifically what ChatGPT is?
Lee: Let’s start with the answers generated by ChatGPT. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that require human intelligence. Machine learning (ML) is the ability of machines to learn from data and make predictions without explicit programming. is a subset of AI focused on algorithms that transform.ChatGPT is an AI application developed by OpenAI.A chatbot trained on internet text to generate human-like responses.Transformer model (Note: 2017 It uses a language model developed by Google in 2010) and is able to understand and generate coherent text.It is important to critically evaluate and validate the information provided by ChatGPT.”
“Three peculiar characteristics/concerns of AI technology are that 1) AI technology evolves faster than natural evolution, 2) AI can make decisions that undermine human control, and 3) The creation of new ideas by AI, which can lead to unpredictable consequences.”
Q: How do I access ChatGPT?
Lee: ChatGPT is accessible to anyone with internet access. There are two ways to use ChatGPT. 1) Register an account on the OpenAI website. Once you have an account, you can submit your questions directly from the web browser interface. 2) On March 14th, OpenAI released his ChatGPT 4.0. This provides access to the ChatGPT Plus chatbot (a premium variant of ChatGPT) or a limited version via OpenAI’s API. His web-based ChatGPT service is free, but additional services cost money.
Q: What impact will this technology have on society?
Lee: I believe this could be a pivotal moment in human history. Impacts include:
- Job Replacement: Like revolutionary inventions like the printing press, ChatGPT has the potential to automate and replace many jobs at a much larger scale. However, it can also create new employment opportunities in various fields. The exact schedule for this migration is uncertain as it could occur in years or decades. Training the workforce to adapt to this movement has become a major challenge for our society, but individuals face an even greater challenge of equipping them with the skill sets needed for rapidly changing conditions. .
- Increased productivity: ChatGPT acts as a powerful information search tool, like a “superman” with vast knowledge, helping users find answers to their questions and explore new topics. to support This productivity boost has the potential to revolutionize the way we live.
- Creative assistance: ChatGPT can also generate creative content such as idea writing and brainstorming, providing valuable assistance in your creative endeavors.
Q: Is this technology moving too fast? How will it be regulated in the US and globally?
Lee: AI is evolving at an unprecedented speed, and I think it is impossible to stop its evolution. I’m no regulatory expert, but it’s worth noting that Congress acted swiftly. Recently, congressional hearings attended by OpenAI and others were held to discuss regulation of AI technology. The main focus of the discussion was on regulating the adoption and use of AI rather than AI itself. One possible solution is to create a regulatory agency, like the FDA, dedicated to AI regulation. The public hearings focused on transparency (requiring AI models to identify themselves as humans rather than humans), accountability (holding responsibility on users of AI models), and limitation of use (managing the application of AI to specific The three principles of territorial confinement) were thoroughly discussed. . Further hearings are scheduled.
Q: What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Lee: The five potential negative effects are:
- As mentioned earlier, there are serious concerns about the unprecedented level of job losses caused by AI. Some companies are already cutting jobs on a massive scale through automation.
- Another worrying aspect is the weaponization of AI technology.
- Chatbots have the ability to establish a sense of intimacy with individuals through chat, which can lead to manipulation of their behavior and opinions.
- False or disinformation generated by AI models is difficult to authenticate.
- Some scientists, including Jeffrey Hinton, have expressed concern about the potential existential threat to humanity if AI seizes control.
Q: Are you developing something to detect if content is AI generated?
Lee: Many tools are in development. However, none of them have yet reached a satisfactory level of efficacy.
What do you think the future holds for AI?
Lee: The future of AI can have both positive and negative consequences, depending on what we do today. By learning from past mistakes, we have the opportunity to harness the transformative power of AI and create a better life for all.
