To the editor: What’s driving our eagerness to replace each other with machines? (“OpenAI accuses China of stealing its content, the same accusation that authors have made against OpenAI,” column, Jan. 30)
We’ve already handed over so much control of our daily lives to technology. What happens when we’re no longer needed, when there’s no job or sense of purpose left for us, and no physical or mental effort required? Are we destined to just lounge around watching TV and scrolling through our smartphones? The brick-and-mortar stores may not even exist for us to visit anymore.
Sure, I rely on computers daily and they’re invaluable for serving our large population. But when I encounter a problem, I want to speak to a human being, someone experienced, either in person or over the phone. Engaging with artificial intelligence isn’t my preference. You simply can’t replicate the loyalty between a company and its employees with AI. I don’t want to be forced by AI into accepting unsatisfactory solutions.
When it comes to writing something like this, I actually want to put in the effort, not have AI do it for me.
So, the individuals programming AI have secured their roles, and billionaires are pleased to replace us unpredictable humans who demand more than automated responses. I suppose my gardener’s job is safe, those at the top will keep theirs, but what about mine?
Perhaps I’ve misunderstood AI, or maybe I’ve just indulged in too many science fiction stories.
Deborah Regan, Palos Verdes Peninsula
