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| Artificial Intelligence |
How to Get the Most Out of Artificial Intelligence? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself
As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, platforms are in a constant race to release smarter and more capable features. One of the most prominent examples is Chat GPT, which reached over 1 million users within five days of its launch and 100 million in just two months, according to the International AI Safety Report backed by 30 governments and global organizations such as the UN and the OECD.
Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are also making massive investments. Microsoft’s AI assistant, Co-Pilot, launched in 2023, is projected to generate over $10 billion in revenue by Q2 2025, with data centers expanding to 60 global regions. Google’s AI Overviews, which deliver AI-generated summaries at the top of search results, now serve 1.5 billion queries per month across 200+ countries, according to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.
As this wave of innovation surges forward, Sasha Luccioni, a Canadian computer scientist and climate strategy lead at Hugging Face, offers a vital reminder:
> "AI is like a megaphone for both the good and the bad in humanity. We need to ensure we stay in control."
Before embracing AI tools, here are four essential questions you should ask yourself to ensure safe and effective use:
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1. Is This the Right AI Tool for My Needs?
Not all AI tools are created equal. While popular platforms like Chat GPT offer broad capabilities, many specialized tools are designed for niche tasks—like solving math equations from photos, analyzing sourdough bread for recipe improvements, or generating custom prayers from sacred texts.
A 2025 Stanford AI Index Report notes that the U.S. developed 40 notable AI models last year, compared to 15 in China and just 3 in Europe. With new tools constantly emerging, explore your options and match your tool to your specific task.
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2. Can I Trust the AI's Answers?
AI-generated content may sound confident—but that doesn’t make it accurate. Luccioni cautions that AI can "hallucinate" information, presenting false or misleading answers that appear plausible.
Always double-check outputs and think critically about their validity, especially in professional or academic settings. AI is a support tool—not a source of absolute truth.
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3. What Information Am I Sharing?
Be mindful of the data you feed into AI systems. These models often retain and analyze input to improve performance. Sensitive or personal content—whether text or images—might be stored, increasing privacy risks.
Always read the platform’s privacy policy. If the data feels too personal or potentially embarrassing, don’t enter it.
In 2023, Italy became the first Western country to temporarily ban ChatGPT over data privacy concerns. Countries like South Korea, Australia, and the U.S. have also raised concerns about how Chinese models like DeepSeek handle user data.
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4. Do I Really Need AI for This?
AI should be a tool—not a replacement for your brain. Before turning to it, consider whether the task could be handled more effectively by conventional methods or with human assistance.
Luccioni also warns that AI lacks human judgment and moral reasoning. It can't decide what’s right or ethical. Decisions that require values or empathy are better made by humans.
Additionally, AI systems consume far more energy and water than traditional search engines. With rising concerns over global water shortages, it's worth using AI mindfully.
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In Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is here to stay—and it can be powerful and transformative when used wisely. But it also raises new challenges in trust, ethics, privacy, and sustainability.
As Luccioni puts it:
> “Just because AI is available, doesn’t mean we need to use it for everything. What makes us human—creativity, community, and connection—should remain at the core of how we live and work.”
2 Comments
Artificial intelligence can be powerful and transformative when used wisely.
ReplyDeleteAI lacks human judgment and moral reasoning.
ReplyDelete