We asked readers, Is AI our enemy or our friend?
It is a tool
AI, like most achievements of humanity, is neither salvation nor doom. It is a tool. Where we take it will inevitably reflect, and even magnify, the best and worst within us. Guided by wisdom, justice and humility, AI could become a source of enlightenment. Yet because humanity lives in a fallen nature, it is far more likely that AI will become a detriment of historic scale.— Bob Hairston, Chino
Almost scammed
We are all aware of the “Grandma, I’m in jail and need you to bail me out” scam. AI has copied my grandson’s voice, but when he says, “Hi Grandma, it’s your grandson,” I know it’s not him. It’s his voice, but he never calls me grandma. I of course hang up. But a few weeks ago, I thought it was my granddaughter. It was definitely her voice and the caller had all the right words to say; very convincing. I would have given them my credit card, but they said they take only cash. I called my granddaughter and confirmed it was not her. I called the Seal Beach Police Department, and they came to my house. AI can copy a voice, needing only seconds. They then feed the audio sample into a free AI voice-cloning tool that learns the pitch, accent, and unique voice pattern. This should not be allowed. Companies are not policing themselves.
— Patricia Stubbs, Seal Beach
Paperwork only
Yes, only paper and pencils or pens should now be allowed in schools. Students should learn this before computer use.
— Richard Metzger, Porter Ranch
Top predators no more
It was obvious that the computer would become more intelligent than humans. It will be just a matter of time. Mother Nature has a way of doing away with top predators, as she did with the dinosaurs 27 million years ago. The top predator seems to have a way of spoiling the Earth. The humans have now become the top predators, and are indeed making a mess of the climate. We will eliminate ourselves.
— Thomas Brezinski, Dana Point