We've been talking a lot about AI. Last month, I participated in a panel at an event, gave an interview solely on this topic for a newsletter, and here I am, using my monthly article to discuss the subject. Additionally, in the Innovation and Technology Commission of CBL (Brazilian Book Chamber), it is our constant agenda.
The truth is that there are still many almost initial doubts about AI and how it is used, both from a legal aspect (for example, who owns content produced by a tool) and from a practical aspect (which tool to use, how and when it is most useful, and so on).
And of course, another aspect includes apocalyptic visions of where we are headed with the rampant advancement of technology if regulation and rules are not established to ensure its use benefits everyone and does not become something exclusionary and dangerous. But that's a topic for another time.
What I want to convey with this article is my perspective on where AI stands in my mind and my usage of it. For this, I want to boldly redefine the use of these two letters: A and I. Instead of talking about Artificial Intelligence, I want to talk about Assistance Instrument. Because to me, that’s what AI represents at this moment: another tool for many day-to-day activities and tasks, whether in professional life or personal tasks.
To start with, we already use AI many times without even realizing it. For example, I’m writing this article using Google Docs, and the software suggests auto-completion for several words when I type the first letter. This is already AI, an artificial intelligence assisting me in saving typing time. The same happens with emails, WhatsApp, and so on.
Many other things in our daily lives, things that seem simple and routine (after we incorporate technology as part of our lives) are AI, and we just adopt them, integrate them into our routine, and start using them without much debate.
I'm not saying that debates are not important, of course, they are. It is essential that we can define rules for the use of this - and any - technology to at least mitigate malicious uses. It is clear that we need to clarify to whom (or to whom) the copyright of a cover, a text, a song, or any other content made using one or more AI tools belongs.
But I think that besides debates, there are opportunities: to save time, scale, productivity, repertoire... because in the end, we are increasingly seeking quality of life and balance between personal and professional life. For this to happen more and more, time is a very, very valuable currency. The more I manage my time, the more time I have to do what I want, be close to my loved ones, and dedicate myself to other things beyond my daily obligations.
It is with this positive outlook - hopefully not a pollyannaish one - that I have been approaching AI. As an Aid Instrument, a toolbox that helps me produce more and better, optimize my time, and thus give me more freedom to do other things, anything.
And you, do you believe that AI can be an ally, or is it the beginning of a dark and dangerous era?
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