On 1st October, a group of Year 13s had a discussion on ‘Everything AI’ over dinner, considering the overall implication on our daily lives and how it linked to our subject areas. This began by looking at how some of us used AI and we realised that while we all used ChatGPT, we didn’t always check where our sources came from. The discussion was led by Dr Jones, Head of Library & Enrichment, and supported by Miss Connell,
It could also be used to assist in healthcare, but then we questioned whether it would remove prejudice or amplify bias and the impact this might have if we believe AI to be neutral when it isn’t. Then we thought about how it could be used in education, where some of us found that AI could explain some topics better than a teacher but it was unlikely that AI would replace education because people will always want to learn and read and write, and the current school environments are better than what AI can provide, largely because of the social aspect of them.
Similarly, we questioned whether AI would then make us lazier or more efficient and we decided that laziness was difficult to define because we have evolved so much. Laziness 100 or 1000 years ago is different today, maybe it is even that we are overloaded and that life moves too fast. Thus we discussed that AI could lead to a computer industrial revolution similar to how steam led to the industrial revolution which means that surely social dynamics, the economic systems of capitalism and jobs/employment would change.
Our conversation also delved into topics of whether AI could replicate human feelings, if artificial emotion could mimic creativity where Roseanna gave the example of AI finishing Beethoven’s 10th symphony and musicians not being able to tell where the transition was – AI had clearly done a good job! Similarly, we compared some poems people had brought, written by AI and decided that AI would eventually get stuck without new creativity from humans.
Overall the night was full of intellectual discussion which had ideas from everyone and left us all more curious about something we use every day with the majority unsure of how they felt about AI after talking.
Exploring the Future: A Dive into AI at the Somerville Supper
The Somerville Supper, an engaging gathering of Year 13 students, recently delved into the captivating world of Artificial Intelligence. Led by Dr. Jones, Head of Library & Enrichment, and supported by Miss Connell, the event, titled “Everything AI,” provided a platform for lively discussions and thought-provoking debates about the role of AI in our lives.
A Mixed Bag of Opinions
The evening was a kaleidoscope of perspectives, with attendees sharing their thoughts on AI’s potential. The overall sentiment was positive, with three votes firmly in favour of AI’s impact, one expressing uncertainty but leaning positive, and another expressing both uncertainty and negativity. There was also a solitary negative perception and six participants who remained uncertain.
Key Discussion Points
The conversation touched on various facets of AI. A recurring theme was AI’s inability to recognize its own mistakes. This sparked a discussion about the reliability of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, which many already use without always verifying the information.
AI’s Role in Education: A central question was whether AI would enhance or hinder education. While some feared it might stop us from thinking critically, others saw it as a tool for efficiency that could potentially make us lazy. The debate also extended to whether AI explanations could surpass those of teachers, offering tailored learning experiences.
Privacy and Ethics: Concerns about privacy and the illusion of it in the digital age were raised. Participants pondered whether AI amplifies bias or could be a force for removing prejudice. The ethical implications of AI in creativity and culture were hotly debated, questioning if AI could stifle new creativity or if it remains a product of human endeavor.
Impact on Jobs and Society: The potential impact of AI on jobs was a significant concern. Would AI lead to unemployment or create opportunities for people to pursue their passions? The conversation also touched on capitalism and whether societal changes matter if they lead to progress.
AI in Healthcare and Therapy: AI’s potential to improve jobs, such as pharmacists and healthcare providers, was discussed. Could AI provide effective therapy, or is the human touch irreplaceable? The group reflected on AI’s inability to take responsibility, raising questions about its role in critical fields.
Future of Reading and Writing: The possibility of AI replacing traditional skills like reading and writing was considered. Participants also wondered if might lead to an overwhelming loss of cultural heritage in a fast-moving world.
AI and Social Dynamics: The anticipated change in social dynamics, with AI potentially saving lives and altering learning methods, was a topic of interest. Attendees pondered whether AI would erase the past or lead to a new industrial revolution.
Conclusion
The Somerville Supper provided a platform for exploring AI’s multifaceted impact on our world. While opinions varied, the discussions underscored the importance of understanding AI’s potential and challenges. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, the key lies in balancing innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that AI serves as a force for positive change in our society.
Whether AI will ultimately prove to be a boon or a bane remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: its influence on our lives is just beginning. The conversations at the Somerville Supper are a testament to the curiosity and critical thinking that will guide us through the AI-driven future.
Written by https://app.hyperwriteai.com/personalassistant (from notes taken by Dr Jones during the supper)
