The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has caused some people to worry that technology will replace human communication and interaction. However, what if AI tools can help us become better communicators with each other?
One way that AI tools can improve our communication skills is by teaching us to be more specific and precise with our language. When we interact with AI tools we quickly learn that the more detailed and specific our questions and statements are, the better the AI's response will be.
When I asked ChatGPT how to make snickerdoodles without baking soda, it politely told me that I cannot and supplied the recipe for another cookie type – but didn’t say what the cookie type was, and the tool had no way of knowing if I have those other ingredients.
Then, I asked the platform what cookies I could bake if I had butter, salt, eggs, flour, vanilla, and baking powder. The return was that I could make a basic sugar cookie or a butter cookie with the ingredients on hand.
AI tools can also help us develop our critical thinking skills. When we interact with AI tools, we are forced to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the AI's responses. This requires us to analyze the information provided and determine whether it is reliable and relevant. By practicing critical thinking skills in our interactions with AI tools, we can become better at evaluating information and arguments in our interactions with other humans.
Finally, AI tools can help us become more efficient communicators. ChatGPT, for example, can quickly analyze and respond to a large volume of information. By using AI tools to automate certain tasks, we can free up time and energy to focus on more complex and creative aspects of communication with other humans.
Of course, some people are skeptical of AI tools and worry that they will replace authentic human communication and interaction. However, the truth is that AI tools are not intended to replace human communication, but rather to enhance it. Most AI tools are designed to help us become better communicators by teaching us to be more specific and precise with our language, more empathetic, more critical thinkers, and more efficient communicators. Rather than fearing the impact of AI on human communication, we should embrace these tools as a means of enhancing our communication and becoming better communicators with each other.
Bonus: Chat GPT’s Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue to beat until fully combined.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until it is firm enough to handle.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also use a small cookie scoop or roll the dough into balls with your hands.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!