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.