Author: Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey
One of the lessons I learned in my MA IT Law class, taught by one of the outstanding AI academics, Kwaku Boadu, was separating the hype of artificial intelligence (AI) from reality and what we need to do with AI; it is like any software in our quest to develop. Yes, we do not have to dismiss it; we need to focus on the mathematics that underlines the software and ensure that we get our young ones properly trained to develop our AI and AI strategies to help solve our unique challenges as part of the arsenals we need.
As AI continues transforming industries and revolutionizing how we live and work, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. The AI hype has been building for years, with proponents hailing it as the solution to humanity’s most pressing problems. However, as the dust settles, it’s becoming clear that the reality of AI is more nuanced. Yet, this nuanced reality also holds the potential for AI to make significant positive changes in our world.
The Rise of Large Language Models
Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard, Gemini, and, more recently, DeepSeek are emerging as the most tangible and widely applicable AI technologies. These models combine existing knowledge from the Internet, using probability math to generate the most probable answer to a prompt. While LLMs have the potential to revolutionise industries such as education, healthcare, and customer service, they also have limitations.
The Hallucination Problem
One of the significant limitations of LLMs is their tendency to “hallucinate” answers. This means they can provide inaccurate or nonexistent answers. The implications of this are far-reaching. As LLMs become more pervasive, there’s a risk that we’ll rely increasingly on these models for answers rather than engaging in rigorous research, argumentation, and reasoning.
The Consequences of Over-Reliance on AI
The consequences of over-reliance on AI are already being felt. As we rely more heavily on LLMs for answers, we risk losing critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate information critically. This could lead to a new normal of ‘hallucinated truths’ in academia, industry, and social settings. We risk our youth believing the lie that AI would do all the thinking for them so they do not have to think any more. This significant risk could further widen the digital divide and, by extension, the developmental gap between the so-called developing world and the developed world, which now comprises the West and East. It’s crucial that we recognize this risk and take responsibility for maintaining our critical thinking skills, ensuring that AI serves us rather than the other way around.
The AI Hype: A Cautionary Tale
The AI hype has created a market where any programmer can label their code as “AI” to command a higher price. This has resulted in a proliferation of AI-branded products, from mundane tasks to critical applications. However, not all AI is created equal. It’s essential to approach AI critically and nuancedly, recognising its potential benefits and limitations.
A New Era of AI Development
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that genuine AI will be free from the shackles of hype. The Chinese approach to AI development, which focuses on practical applications and rejects the hype, is a model worth emulating. By taking a more pragmatic approach to AI development, we can create more cost-effective and efficient AI solutions that benefit humanity. This approach should reassure us that AI can be a force for good when developed and used responsibly.
Conclusion
As we navigate the AI revolution, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. By recognizing the limitations of LLMs and approaching AI with a critical and nuanced perspective, we can unlock AI’s true potential and create a future where technology serves humanity rather than vice versa.