AI is going to change how we work. At Quietly Confident Technology we do use it to make some tasks quicker and easier. But it can also cause problems. Let’s look at some ways AI can make work tricky.
What is AI and how does it affect work?
<SMALL RANT>Before I get started I’m going to be clear… what we are currently calling AI is NOT actually AI, it’s a combination of Neural Networks, Machine Learning and some uber complex algorithms. However, it’s what the media have decided to call it so us techies with our “definitions” just need to suck it up and accept that AI no longer stands for what AI did (and should) stand for. I henceforth use the term AI under duress.<RANT OVER>
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. Computer systems are actually able to do things that regular human intelligence can do. and it can do it at blazingly fast speeds. It can support so many jobs. It can write, analyse data, and can even create art. The featured image on this post for example was made using chatgpt
But it is not perfect-it also can go wrong.
Where can AI go wrong?
Incorrect Information
AI sometimes provides wrong information. It may mix up facts or use data that is too old. This can cause huge problems in the workplace. Often AI will give you links to the sources it used to generate the response, it’s a good idea to check that those sources are trusted.
Weird outputs
AI can also make strange mistakes. It may write utter nonsense or create odd images. This can be a waste of time and cause confusion. We regularly see AI struggling to create human features like hands, feet and legs. Whilst there are people in the world with 3 legs and 7 fingers on one hand, they are few and far between.
Can AI be biased?
Yes, AI can be biased. It learns from data given to it by humans. If that data has bias in it, then the AI will too. This can lead to unfair decisions in the workplace. There have also been numerous cases where AI has been lead into saying or doing something that it should not do. Confirmation bias is also a consideration, are you being neutral in your question?
How does AI affect jobs?
Job Losses? Some people fear that AI will steal their jobs. It can perform certain tasks more quickly and for less money than humans. This could result in fewer jobs in some industries.
however
New skills are required?. We also need workers who understand AI and who can write good prompts. This may require people to acquire new kills. People need to learn to work with AI, which can be challenging for some.
AI can also alter how teams work. Certain tasks become solo work with AI. This may decrease teamwork and creativity however it also potentially allows for more free time to socialise and build stronger team bonds.
What about privacy and AI?
AI requires a lot of data to function properly, which can raise several privacy concerns. You may be concerned that AI will view personal information or private and work habits.
Yes, AI can create legal issues. There are questions about who owns work created by AI. There are also concerns about AI making biased decisions and those decisions being used by us without checking.
Never…. Never… upload any sensitive data to ANY website, not just AI, if you are not totally sure how that data will be used and by who!
How can we use AI safely at work?
To use AI safely at work:
- Check AI outputs carefully
- Keep humans in charge of big decisions
- Train workers to use AI well
- Have clear rules for AI use
- Stay up-to-date on AI laws
Summary
AI can be helpful at work, but it’s not perfect. We have to use it with care. If you have questions about using AI at your job, contact QCT today. We can help you use AI in a smart and safe way.
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