Are you feeling bombarded by information about how or whether to use generative artificial intelligence tools like Open AI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s CoPilot, or Anthropic’s Claude?
Me,
too. But as much as we want to, we can’t afford to ignore it. AI is not going away, and, for better or worse, it will likely change how we work, live, and think.
It’s certainly changing how I do my work. It helps me with search optimization by writing website elements that help Google’s search engine understand a site’s content. It’s helped me write ads that are better focused on client goals. It’s helped with market research for my own business. It’s helped me prepare sales presentations.
Learning to talk with AI
I’m slowly learning how to write better “prompts,” the instructions or questions to ask a generative AI tool to get the results I need.
And I’m careful to check the results. I haven’t found many instances in which generative AI produces garbage, but it does happen. My experience as a reporter has taught me to check sources and ask clients to verify accuracy.
For some, generative AI is beginning to replace Google Search as a preferred way to get information from the internet. You may have noticed Google itself is offering AI-generated information at the top of its
search results pages. It’s labeled “AI Overview.”
Give me an old-fashioned Google Search
As for me, when I’m looking for specific information, I still prefer the old-fashioned Google Search. I like clicking on links and deciding for myself whether information is credible.
But I’m optimistic about the potential benefits of generative AI, even though I’m aware of the dangers and problems it could create. I watched a social media video that spoofed Pittsburgh
Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin. It’s a relatively benign example, but the video image looked like Tomlin, and the voice sounded like Tomlin. The words, however, were definitely not Tomlin’s.
With the advances in AI image, video and audio production, it’s no longer safe to rely on “seeing is believing.” And that is why learning about generative artificial intelligence and understanding how it works should be on your to-do list over the rest of this year.
Until next time
The next newsletter arrives July 15. Enjoy the coming long weekend as we celebrate Independence Day and the 249th birthday of the United States. July 5 is National Graham Cracker Day. Add a few squares of a chocolate bar and a toasted marshmallow so you can celebrate s’more.
July 11 is National Blueberry Muffin Day, and July 12 is National Simplicity Day. Should be easy to celebrate.
Until next time, be grateful. Be generous. Be patient. Love. Thanks for spending some of your time with me, . I appreciate you.
Mark
P.S. - This newsletter was 100 percent created by me, a human.
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