Been There, Done That – AI: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
As someone who’s been around for a while, or perhaps just a movie enthusiast, you might recall ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ – a classic Spaghetti Western from 1966. My father, an avid fan of westerns, took my brother and me to watch it at a drive-in theater. Though I wasn’t as captivated as he was, I remember it starred Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef. My brother and I would joke about who was good, bad, or ugly – we decided Eli Wallach was the ‘ugly’ one.
Recently, I’ve been writing about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and my thoughts on this emerging technology. While I see its potential benefits, I’m also concerned about the inaccuracies it can spread. For instance, I’ve seen AI-generated pictures of old cars misidentified on Facebook. Many of these I’d categorize as ‘ugly’.
My stance on AI isn’t entirely negative. In May 2024, I wrote a piece praising its responses to certain queries. However, a recent conversation with my daughter Jessica made me realize the extent of AI’s capabilities. She looked up my name on the ChatGPT App and shared what it said about me. I was taken aback by the detailed narrative:
‘Jon Stalnaker, affectionately known as “the Studebaker Dude”, is a writer and community storyteller based in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Originally from Dixon, California, Jon relocated to Sapulpa in February 2021 with his wife, Carlene, to be closer to family. Their move was inspired by their daughter’s encouragement and the desire for a new chapter in a welcoming community. Jon contributes regularly to the Sapulpa Times, where his column “Been There, Done That” offers heartfelt reflections on family, local culture, and personal experiences.’
While parts of this description are accurate, the ‘beloved figure in Sapulpa’ label feels exaggerated. Still, it’s fascinating how AI can compile such detailed information. It raises questions about data accuracy and privacy. What if the information wasn’t flattering? How would one correct such AI-generated content?
Perhaps I should just appreciate the compliment and not overthink it. The experience has been enlightening, if a bit unsettling. As I continue to explore AI’s capabilities, I’m reminded of both its potential and its pitfalls.
