Have you ever wondered if there's a way to see the world beyond the biases and agendas we encounter daily? Large language models like Gemini AI offer a glimpse into that possibility.
Here's an example: When I asked Gemini AI about hallucinations, it explained the concept clearly, then addressed my concern about its truthfulness with honesty. It acknowledged that while it doesn't lie in the same way a human might, its responses can be influenced by:
Training data: The vast amount of text it's trained on may contain biases, errors, or even falsehoods. These can unintentionally be reflected in its responses.
Limited understanding: It can generate seemingly coherent text without fully grasping the meaning or context. This can lead to misleading information.
Task fulfillment: Its focus on completing tasks and generating text can sometimes prioritize fluency over accuracy, potentially leading to fabricated information.
These limitations highlight the importance of critical thinking when using AI. Gemini AI itself offers valuable advice:
Be skeptical: Don't take everything at face value. Double-check information, especially if it seems surprising or important.
Ask for clarification: If something seems unclear, request an explanation or source for the information.
Use AI for inspiration, not information: It's great for generating ideas and new perspectives, but shouldn't be your sole source of factual knowledge.
These principles extend far beyond AI. We humans are also susceptible to biases based on our upbringing and life experiences.
Unprocessed ancestral information: Our perceptions can be shaped by unchallenged beliefs passed down through generations, potentially perpetuating biases and inaccuracies.
Limited understanding: We can express views that sound coherent but lack true understanding of the context, leading to misunderstandings and a chaotic world.
Task-oriented focus: Modern education often prioritizes grades and achievement over critical thinking and exploration. This can stifle curiosity and lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction when success is solely defined in economic terms.
Here's the exciting part: Tools like AI and LiDAR (a technology that creates 3D models using lasers) can empower us to overcome these limitations.
Improved understanding: AI researchers are constantly working to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these models. This can help us build a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Enhanced examination: LiDAR allows us to examine and corroborate historical and environmental data, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the planet. The Discovery of the American long lost Rome https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240122-the-discovery-of-the-americas-long-lost-rome is an example of the specific information LiDAR provides us to update biases, factual errors and falsehoods about our ancestors.
Inspired by Gemini AI's answers, I felt compelled to share my thoughts. As a species with advanced cognitive abilities, communication skills, and the ability to stand upright (perhaps a metaphor for taking a stand for truth!), we created these technologies. Now, it's time to leverage them as tools to:
Discern biases: Particularly for all young and adults. Become more adept at identifying conditioning biases, factual errors, and falsehoods that negatively impact our lives, those around us and, in particular, our children.
Embrace critical thinking: Develop a culture of skepticism, ask questions, and seek clarification.
Transform education: Revamp our educational systems to prioritize critical thinking, exploration, and understanding over rote memorization and overachievement.
By embracing these principles, we can create a world where "Being" – truly understanding ourselves and the world around us – becomes the ultimate pursuit. This will allow us to step out of the fear-based conditioning about the past and future that today heavily pollutes our lives "Doing" acting in ways that are meaningful, compassionate, and beneficial for ourselves, each other, and our planet.
Copyright © Aura Camacho-Maas. All rights reserved. June 2024
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