Artificial Intelligence




"Seek knowledge by trespassing through the portals of the unknown." Dr. BLR

For those of us old enough to remember the Jetsons cartoon from the 1960s, the rise of electric cars, drones, robots, and computers is only part of what older folks saw on television but never thought would become real. 

Then the 1990s arrived, and the world was introduced to the internet, which turned life upside down. We went from sitting at home in the living room watching television with the whole family to staying secluded in our bedrooms, exploring what our minds could imagine. Believe me, we tested this new invention and got into a lot of “fun” trouble; well, that’s what I called it. 

Meanwhile, new technology introduced flip phones and pagers that helped us stay connected, making pay phones on the sides of buildings and businesses outdated. If you ask most young people today whether they have ever used one, they’d look at you quizzically.

Over the decades, new innovations appeared, and a few companies created gadgets that took us from our bedrooms to people carrying mini computers clipped to their belts or kept in their back pockets. The popularity was incredible. Everyone felt they had to own one because it was stylish and made life easier. Parents would listen as their children begged for the latest versions of the iPhone or Android phones. As a parent, you were screwed because they got more expensive every damn year. 

Then, unexpectedly, a new problem or, let’s say, phenomenon emerged. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shocked every area of education, law, and business. Capitalism was overtaken by hordes of venture capitalists eager to exploit this new technological opportunity. Millionaires became billionaires, and the chances of university students graduating and securing great jobs in the tech sector were significantly reduced, as AI would almost certainly replace them, either immediately or over several years. Computer programmers have said they can’t keep up with AI's ability to become more advanced with each system upgrade. AI will enable employers to significantly reduce their workforce and replace them with AI and, possibly soon, robots capable of doing the work of several human beings.

Many readers of this essay might wonder why I am discussing this topic. So, here goes. As a university professor, my colleagues and I are challenged by AI’s ability to write entire assignments for our students. It's pointless to read their work if they haven't used their critical thinking and writing skills to complete the assigned tasks. Yes, I am okay with AI fixing some grammatical mistakes, which I do for my own writing, but the core of the assignment must come from their mental competence. Moreover, why do I care? They are paying to sit in my classroom, and if they want to take shortcuts, let them. No! No! No! 

I didn’t get into higher education to simply receive a paycheck to supplement my pension. I got into this profession because I genuinely enjoy being around students, whom I considered my surrogate children before I had my biological children. As a parent, you want the best for your kids, and I wanted to make sure that I prepared them to face the world as best I could. So, I will continue to keep them focused and disciplined as they grow into wonderful adults who go on to succeed in whatever endeavor they choose. At the same time, I leave them with these words of wisdom: "Go forward and conquer." 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The rise of the First Amendment

Image
“Social media has provided an opportunity for the misinformed to become the voice of the miseducated.” Dr. BLR   As a strong supporter of the First Amendment, I am disappointed that, in this era of political correctness, voices are being silenced on both sides of the political spectrum. A lively debate fosters intellectual growth, regardless of how unpopular someone's opinion may be. In this context, I will discuss the recent death of Charlie Kirk (Kirk) at a speaking event on the campus of Utah Valley University. For the record, I knew nothing about him before his untimely passing, until I visited his website and the algorithmic whirlpool directed his information my way. Unapologetically, I have a selective indifference to his death because I didn’t know him. Nonetheless, I genuinely appreciate young people, even if their views are controversial, stepping up and speaking out on issues that will impact their future. Some examples include Nick Fuentes, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, La...
Read more

Losing my brother

Image
“As you lay on your deathbed, I looked into your eyes and knew you were ready for the next chapter, and my sorrow for your departure was eased.” Dr. BLR   In a chaotic world, you can never predict what will happen next. Life has a way of surprising us. Yet at some point, you have to expect the unexpected. Earlier this year, I lost my twin brother, Aaron Keith Royster. It hurts to write these words because I am still grieving, and I hope that writing this will help with the process. I don’t think there’s a stronger bond than being a twin, whether identical or fraternal. My brother and I were born about four minutes apart. I wanted to stay in my mother’s womb a little longer, so I kicked him out for my special entrance. Our bond lasted for the next sixty years. My earliest memory of being a twin is from when I was around three or four years old, when my father was trying to teach us how to box. He rewarded us afterward with colorful licorice candy. Unfortunately, not long after,...
Read more

Not my enemy

Image
“I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.”  James Baldwin   No one will ever agree on controversial issues or people. Recently, someone reappeared in my life after a period of dormancy. Assata Olugbala Shakur (also known as JoAnne Deborah Byron and JoAnne Chesimard), an African-American woman, was convicted of the murder of a New Jersey State Trooper, Werner Foerster, on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973. As a retired New Jersey State Trooper (NJSP), I am conflicted about why I have allowed her to occupy space in my mind. She allegedly killed a state trooper, and according to the law, she should have spent the rest of her life in prison. However, I wasn’t entirely convinced that she was guilty.  Growing up as a young Black man in Newark, New Jersey's inner city, I heard a lot about our struggles to survive in an oppressive, white, male-dominated system. I vaguely remember the 1967 riots in Newark, but later I researched the NJSP’s role in trying to suppr...
Read more