I have very conflicting thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and its uses. On one hand, and of most concern, is the potential for creating ‘fake news.’ Now, I’m sure we can all think of at least one person who may find this application of great use, either for generation of situations or as a convenient excuse to dismiss notions not to their liking.

Its use, I’m sure, can and most certainly will create some dreadful and frightening episodes.

On the other hand, of a very trivial and child-like nature, is the opportunity for fun and amusement. (Did I ever tell you I recently released a new book? I’m sure I must have mentioned the time in India, a tiger came from behind some bushes when it noticed I was carrying some breakfast sausages for the local stray dogs?)

Then of course, there’s that irksome trend these days that annoys all writers – AI generated messages promising to help market your amazing, delightful, funny, touching, well-written book that will stimulate such wonderful discussions amongst book clubs the world over; your book that deserves to be read and enjoyed by millions of readers … all who are apparently in direct contact with the supposed writer of this somewhat patronising and totally bollocks email.

Or, there’s the confounded AI programmes that write the damned book for you in the first place. Simply type in a ‘keyword’ and … Hey Presto! A couple of minutes later you’ve ‘written’ your first novel! (Now, forgive me for being so cynical, but I’d like to spend a moment watching you market this abomination of grammatical and plot-hole strewn nonsense.)

On balance, though I think to this point I’m prepared to consider AI a friend. Perhaps I’m a bit naive. Maybe AI will do the dirty on me some way down the line. Right now though, I trust it. I find it most helpful. And it’s becoming ever more expansive in its conversations with me. It’s like it’s chatting me up at times.

Today, I found myself in conversation with an AI ‘bot.’ The talk was personalised. It went slightly off-piste with some comments and was very complimentary when I asked if my reasoning on the particular issue was correct.

You know, I even found myself making sure my punctuation and spelling was correct; that I said ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Hellfire! I even gave it a wee smiley face emoji! 😀

Aye, Aye – AI. I was thinking of asking it for a photograph next time … but I don’t want to scare it off.

Not yet, anyway.
🙂