NATALIE DUNN

Like it or not, artificial intelligence is here to stay. And it will not only evolve and become more functional, but more people will be using it. Already, many businesses and organizations are now implementing the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence).  AI comes in many forms – from robots assisting individuals and businesses, to online automated tasks, and of course, multifunctional AI apps like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, Poe, and others. Additionally, individuals can now develop their own AI chatbots. One significant advantage of these bots is their versatility, with options like chrome extensions which enhance accessibility. However, there is no hiding the fact that there are downsides to AI. Asides from AI giving out inaccurate information, through to harmful misinformation – such as the Google AI bot suggesting pregnant people smoke 2 to 3 cigarettes per day (If you’re pregnant, do not do this). And of course, there are bad actors who are willing to use AI for malicious reasons – such as to carry out terror attacks, finding instructions on how to make lethal weapons and explosives such as pipe bombs through to committing fraud and hacking servers and computers. This list is not exhaustive. The other concerns are that AI has been used to influence elections globally, in addition to creating false (or manipulated) videos, imagery and deepfakes, and generate the spread of mis and disinformation. There is also the issue of zoombombers (a phenomenon arising from the pandemic restrictions and lockdowns in 2020) now utilizing AI to engage in zoombombing, and school and university students cheating on their exams and completing their essays with total help from ChatGPT. Unfortunately, in New Zealand, we have had rolled out bots at Pak N Save, who have come up with extremely harmful recipes.  Since the introduction of AI and my initial interactions with AI apps on my phone, my life has significantly improved. I now rely on it to plan my trips abroad and create packing lists. Dealing with PCOS, controlled epilepsy, mental health challenges, and the repercussions of the lockdown – including losing friends due to conflicts that have resulted – I have made considerable progress this year, AI has assisted me in making progress such as moving on from the past, seeking ways on how to improve on my mental health, letting go of former friends who wish that we don’t contact each other due to those resulting conflicts, and overcoming challenges over the past few years, such as Cyclone Gabrielle, Covid and its restrictions, crime problems, and the cost of living. Following the fact that one of my best friends had stopped talking to me, following a family dispute last year, I sought help using AI. It guided me in enhancing my mental well-being and letting go of relationships that no longer serve me. Furthermore, as I am learning French for the reasons listed in my personal page, AI has been instrumental in expanding my French vocabulary and helped me to retain these words. In my roles as a blogger, content creator, food and beverage reviewer, and photographer, AI plays a crucial role. Particularly in blogging, AI proves invaluable by refining my grammar, spelling, and overall professionalism. Moreover, I leverage the bot to stay updated on global affairs and discover upcoming events. AI has also been especially useful, when girl related support groups (like the NZ version, which I have since left) have not been so helpful when it came to conflicts, and especially so when some women tend to be quite judgmental about what I enjoy doing in my life (such as nude bungy jumping). To manage the growth of my Facebook groups and ensure their well-being (given they are growing in size, with a large amount of members already), I have implemented the use of AI through Admin Assist, which Facebook has rolled out to group admins and moderators. Before Admin Assist came out, I had to manually remove spam and inappropriate words and links manually, which I found inconvenient. This AI admin assist bot helps me proactively block offensive, hateful, or spam-related words and links, or those associated with controversial people or topics within the groups (in addition to credit card numbers). If any member shares such content, the offending material is promptly removed, and the member is given a one-week suspension. By utilizing this tool, I am able to create a safe and welcoming environment for all participants in my groups.

Simplified, here is what I use AI for:

• Looking for helpful information about what I want or need to know.
• To seek out accurate news sources about current events.
• Planning upcoming trips, including itineraries.
• ​Making a list of what to pack for any trips.
• Making a beauty or a weekly schedule.
• Correcting spelling and grammatical errors on blogs.
• To find ways to improve my mental health and make new friends.
• To help moderate my groups.
• To find out foods that are good for my health, and that helps with any health issues that I have.
• To learn French. 
• To find helpful info on fashion design and photography.
• What to wear to concerts and music events (less reliance on girl support groups).

Benefits of AI and automation in my life:

• Less reliance on other people or groups.
• Helps in reducing or avoiding conflicts altogether.
• Helps recommend me online groups, including Facebook groups, based on my needs and wants.
• Makes planning and scheduling my weeks easier.
• Makes online scheduling, including social media posts, easier.
• Moderating groups is easier, reduces the need for having to manually remove content.*
• Helps me decide who to ban from my groups.
• To make trip and itinerary planning much easier, and much less stressful.
• To create a comprehensive packing list which makes things easier.
• To gather inspiration in certain contexts, such as going to events, or designing fashion.
• Aids as a tool in helping improve both my mental and physical health.
• Aids me in being more productive and organized.
• Reduced fear of judgment or conflict due to decreased reliance on women support groups.
• To improve my French language.

Please note that both lists above are not a complete or exhaustive, these are just examples of how I use them, and how they improve my life.

To the European Commission aiming to regulate AI, most AI users, like those using ChatGPT (and other AI platforms), utilize it for beneficial purposes, not for harmful activities like plotting terror attacks (including those related to white supremacy). Many, myself included, leverage AI to enhance their quality of life. Individuals misusing AI for malicious or egregious intents (such as plotting terror or cyber attacks) should face prohibitions. Just as a few misusers of alcohol don’t impede the majority who enjoy indulging in alcoholic beverages responsibly, those who rely on AI extensively to enhance their lives and stay updated globally should continue doing so, despite the actions of a few malevolent users.

While AI has its drawbacks, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Students who use it for cheating should be disciplined by the school principal. It has significantly aided me in tasks requiring organization and has improved my mental well-being. Though the positive impacts may not be instant, they will become increasingly evident over time, leading to reduced stress, enhanced organization, and a clearer sense of direction.

AI is set to integrate into everyone’s daily routine, regardless of personal preferences. I suggest that individuals make use of it to harness its advantages, irrespective of the intended goal.

* AI content moderation does not cover photosensitive epileptic videos, those have to be removed manually. Also, people can have their comments and posts removed mistakenly, so I will have to manually undo those.