Fear of A.I. 

4/16/25

There has been is a lot of concern over artificial intelligence these days,  and also excitement over the possibilities. In science fiction books and movies, we have seen what can happen when androids go wrong. Yet, we have also seen many times how technology has made our lives easier.  

In some ways, the rise of A.I. reminds me of when the internet came out. Not because people feared it. It’s more about my own attitude about it at the time. I didn’t fear it, but I also wasn’t impressed. I didn’t even think it wouldn’t last. The websites were a bunch of deadends. One couldn’t do much on the internet. Even though I have always been interested in computers, it took some time for me to appreciate the internet. Perhaps, I was too busy playing arcade games. I also learned some programming languages. With my first PC, I would code my own games.  

Meanwhile the internet grew and grew. I learned a lesson. When it comes to new technology, don’t doubt it. Instead, learn about it with an open mind. 

Some might say, this is different. This whole idea of computers being able to think almost like humans, but faster, is crazy. A.I. could take over almost all the jobs etc. Yes, I sympathize with those thoughts, but I’m not sure how different these fears are than when the first PCs came out. People feared computers taking over their jobs. 

It’s normal to struggle with change. Even today, I know people who still fear computers. Their first response is to avoid them. To do as little as possible on a computer. Then, when they have to do something new involving a computer, they dread it. Then the struggle begins. It’s as if the computer knows it is hated and simply will not cooperate. I tell them, your first mistake is hating the computer. A computer must be approached with the right attitude. Patience is essential. 

But I get it. I really do understand. There have been times when I’ve come into work and can’t log into the system. So I’m rebooting, resetting, uninstalling or reinstalling something. Pretty much the department is at a stand still unless I can long in. It’s happened. Patience is the key.

What are your thoughts on A.I.? Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page. 

What Addiction Does to People

3/30/25

I was inspired to write this after reading a story about a person who was smoking while on oxygen. 

I think in general people by nature are susceptible to addiction. This includes myself. While I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs….I do love my Iphone. I don’t text that much with it, but I just use it for so many things. I especially love just playing a game of some sort on it. I’m aware I could spend that time doing something more useful. 

The character Smeagol in Lord of the Rings reminds me of addiction. He was SO addicted to that ring. He allowed it to turn him into a little monster because he was hopelessly addicted to it. Right to the very end, he dies still clinging to the ring. 

As for our smoker, the oxygen caught fire and blew up in his face. This caused serious burns. Not to mention how painful that must’ve been. When a person is on oxygen, they’re not in good health. That oxygen is keeping them alive. Sadly, the addiction is so strong that some can’t give it up, even if it’s killing them. 

We’d all be better off if we never start things that we know can be addictive and/or bad for us. If it’s too late for that, all I can say is don’t give up trying to quit. Sure, some people can quit “cold turkey” but if that’s not working, reach out for help. My Dad once told me it took him an entire year of not smoking to still not crave a cigarette. 

Feel free to leave a comment.