STAFFORD — We found out “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” about Artificial Intelligence (AI) last Thursday. Thank you, Jennifer Gleason of K-State Extension! Well Done!
Some good things are, the time savings, the ability to gather data, and then organize it in a way that is useful. For example: I could type in the prompt, “I have three ingredients in my cupboard that I want to use in a dessert: peanut butter, cashews, and chocolate. Could you give me some samples of recipes that use these ingredients?” It will come up with a variety of recipes with pictures, a grocery list and even what aisle at Dillons you can find each ingredient.
The bad, its responses need to be evaluated by you for accuracy and truth. AI gathers from the data that is out there. YOU have to decide if the response is accurate.
The Ugly can be really UGLY including artificial videos and misinformation that are made to deceive. It comes down to how smart a consumer you are. The old adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” is still true. Just don’t let yourself be deceived by “pictures” and stories that have been manipulated to spread misinformation.
Criminals are really perfecting their craft and it is getting harder and harder even for the experts to detect the fakes. Another old adage “If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.” Engage your brain and be skeptical. Ask others you trust before you fall for misinformation and scams.
Jennifer compiled, with the help of AI, a really good chart comparing different AI platforms and their expertise. She also had a very informative handout explaining AI and its good, bad, and ugly uses. Stop by the library and I will share a copy.
According to a TV news show, one of the most hurtful scams to be aware of is, con artists trying to blackmail people with AI generated videos using their personal pictures, that are out on facebook and other platforms. They attach your face to a naked body. The person interviewed related that HE couldn’t even tell it was a fake. The video featured him naked in his actual home.
The caution here is everybody needs to use their own common sense and not jump to conclusions about other people. Warn your children not to believe everything they see and open a line of communication with them. Protect them from misinformation from criminals and also their peers. Children can be cruel. Don’t enable criminals by believing everything you see.
You also need to be cautious about pictures and information you place on social media and share with other people. Go to your settings and make sure that your site has the privacy settings selected in the way you choose to share.
Historical Fact: on CBS Sunday morning: “At the time of Van Gough’s death by suicide he had sold only one painting.” Now his paintings sell for millions of dollars. Moral of the story: Don’t give up on yourself. Follow your path. Believe. Don’t overact to your present situation - time heals. Talk to someone.
Upcoming Events:
• Monday Mornings 10-11 a.m. Preschool Story Hour
• Dungeons & Dragons every Wednesday 4-6 p.m.
• Winter Reads to Contentment Leads - Book Challenge.
• Every Wednesday except 2nd Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval, 6 p.m.
• March 24 - 2:30 p.m. Alda Hildebrand demonstration on strip quilting. RSVP required, $5 fee.
• March 24, Recently Read - 5:30 p.m. – come enhance our conversation.
• March 31 - 2:30 p.m. Flowers with Baley Doggett, RSVP
• April 9 - Books, Balls and Blocks Developmental Screening Event
• The next board meeting will be April 8.
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday; 2-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
