By Elisabeth Strillacci
For the Salisbury Post

I know it will sound extreme to ask the question, but truly, could we be heading toward a world where we humans become obsolete?

The more I see of artificial intelligence (AI) the more I wonder if we are essentially creating machines to replace us.

Once upon a time, AI uses were fairly limited, and it was quietly understood that machines could not reason and learn like humans, could not express emotions like humans.

But those days are long gone. Now we have general AI, which is much broader in scope than narrow AI, which was developed to complete a specific purpose, such as facial recognition.

Now, I see advertisements saying “Want to write a book but stuck? AI can take your idea and write your novel!” That cuts me to the quick, because writing has been my lifeblood, and I prefer to think no one else could write quite the same way I do. To think a computer could write a novel that I would then put my name on horrifies me, and it further damages the already struggling world of books and publishing.

I see advertisements saying “Need a new headshot for work? Let AI help you show the best you.” And then I see photos that are not exactly representative of the person in the original photo. If you send in an AI-created photo for a job application then show up for the interview, you may find yourself having to verify your identity if you look nothing like the photo you submitted.

We have politicians using AI to create images that are not truthful, and while that’s fun, it’s not a fair representation of who they are. And if they are willing to use an image that is not accurate, what else are they willing to fudge?

AI is offering to write term papers, is capable of writing dissertations for doctoral degrees, it can or soon will be able to take tests for us. It can write love letters for us (Cyrano, you have been replaced by a computer).

But when do we realize that we, the humans behind the creations, are no longer really necessary? The computer and machine can create the supposed best version of us, so why do we need to be here?

In addition, I am seeing “news” articles that are created by AI, and they are not true news articles. They often include conclusions that may or may not be accurate. They often have errors in the facts presented. And they often do not cite the sources they used to get the information.

Which leads me to another large question: These days, how in the heck can we tell what is true? Well, some things still apply: Check your sources. Check for backup sources (accurate information rarely shows up just one place). Look for verifiable documentation, do not just accept something because someone swears it is so. Ask questions. Don’t take things at face value. If you have questions, ask them, concerns, voice them.

In truth, my answer to my own question is I think we need humans more than ever now.

The world is in such an unsure place that a lot of us are comforted by someone or something that can give us answers and make us feel like someone or something is in control and we are not falling into chaos.

But in the end, what will save us is us, not machines or computers. But it means we have to engage, we have to do homework, we have to talk with each other and question the information provided until we arrive at real truth.

I just fear we are going to let AI get much farther ahead, because it’s easier, and the eventual day of reckoning is going to be much harder than we anticipate.

As for me, I want real friends sitting across the table from me, people who understand from personal life experience what I am going through and who can commiserate or celebrate with me. My laptop is never going to be my bestie.

Elisabeth Strillacci is former editor of the Salisbury Post.