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As you can see from the screenshot, I joked that AI is most certainly an unreliable narrator, and yes, I implied it: an inferior Muppet. Let's be honest about AI: who knows whose hand is shoved up in there?
But upon reflection (yes, this is what my brain burns glucose doing), I shouldn't have picked on Animal, who is actually quite an endearing Muppet to me, sort of a furry characterization of the id. I mean, he loves a good time and he drums with passion—he's a beast. (Sorry.) No, AI is a different Muppet....
Now, if you're not Gen X, nor (oddly) is 6% of your brain (like mine) absolutely devoted to Muppets characters, you may have already left to mow your lawn, or whatever, but if you're still with me, I'm almost there.
A better Muppet to represent AI is Captain Link Hogthrob, of Pigs in Space fame. Why? Well...Hogthrob is a smug, self-serving, one-dimensional fool, but somehow remains "qualified" to be captain of the ship, similar to how AI is now steering this ship we call life. Yikes.
To explain further, let's consider AI's qualifications. Can it boost human innovation? Yes. Can it help us solve problems? Yes. Is it wise? No. It has never lived—it is indifferent to life; for us passengers on this ship, it couldn't care less. And if it does develop a sort of wisdom, then whose?
Dear friends, like Hogthrob and "leaders" of similar ilk, AI is untrustworthy and therefore unfit to captain our lives. So, whether you're pro AI or not, shouldn't we regulate its (inevitable) role in everything, and monitor the "hands" behind it, especially those already profiting from it? Ha, Kermit would agree that we're moving too fast.
Art is an important part of my life and I like what I like and don't what I don't. I could give a rats ass what AI says!!!
ReplyDeleteHa, all the fist bump emojis here (and a few applause emojis too).
DeleteI just finished reading "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Harari, and I couldn't agree with you more. Love the puppet analogy.
ReplyDeleteAdd this to my TBR. Thank you.
DeleteNot living in the US, you probably missed the new designation of SI -- super intelligence.
ReplyDeleteOur self appointed expert on everything that he knows nothing about has declared it to be so.
Imagine being advised by an expired cantaloupe.
DeleteLove this characterization of who I call the rat bag (thanks to Sir Rod Stewart).
DeleteBest thing Rod Stewart ever said, ha.
Delete"Technology is a good servant but a bad master" -- this is as true of AI as it is for cellphones and other technology dominating our lives.
ReplyDeleteNow that's wisdom, Debra. And that's also why all those seemingly AI sponsored commencement speakers were rightly booed by graduates everywhere.
DeleteI like what your prior commenters have said about AI being a bad master and about our unique appreciation of art. I have mostly my older daughter's artwork in my house; it's personal to me although AI would probably tell me that it's not famous or even very good.
ReplyDeleteOne of our daughter's paintings features prominently in our living room, so 100% yes to your sentiments.
DeleteAs a boomer, I wasn't of the muppet generation although some probably got involved.
ReplyDeleteIt's not too late, AC. ;)
DeleteI wish AI were more like The Swedish Chef (for so many reasons).
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE SWEDISH CHEF!
DeleteDITTO, J! Can you sing the Swedish chef song? If not, I recommend learning it.
DeleteI didn't get around to cutting the grass over the weekend, so no worries, I was able to read clear through to the end of your post. As a Gen Xer, I loved me some Muppets.
ReplyDeleteThey're the best...I'm hearing rumours of a Miss Piggy movie in production?
DeleteThat would be porktacular!
DeleteAnd that should be the film's tagline, lol.
DeleteYou have got to be my daughter's generation. They grew up with the Muppets but for me they are a background noise that amused my kids while I worked at the kitchen table on English essays.
ReplyDeleteEvery generation has been babysit by something or other on TV, ha.
DeleteI am not a fan of AI in my work as a photographer, artist, writer, baker or candle stick maker. However, I get that some folks enjoy it and use it. For me, no thanks. And I'm seeing so many slop YouTube channels with it. Do not recommend this crap is the button I select.
ReplyDeleteMuppets??? Love those guys. Did you see the one where Prince was in the Muppets. I loved seeing him smile and just have fun with it. Really, really good.
I also loved when Kermit was at the award show, messed up his lines and said that he couldn't see the card.
What a hoot!
The Muppets are medicine. :)
DeleteDid you see the clips of the Muppets learning that they aren't human? Some of those are funny too.
DeleteNO! I will definitely enjoy watching those! Thank you.
DeleteI agree with Kermit, we are going too fast! I think you’re exactly right about your choice though. Thinking about muppets has me thinking about Beaker though. I <3 Beaker.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Beaker is iconic.
Delete