Over the past years, tech companies such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft began integrating their Artificial Intelligence online and in their own software. A lot of which has been Microsoft forcing Copilot on Windows 11.
People who use AI generally rely on it to organize and compose content. For example, you need to write an email, but you want to make sure it comes off as professional, troubleshoot technology, compose code, proofread, and more. With the use growing, we’re seeing a lack of independence, especially in composing content.
Use in Education.
A lot of its purpose has been seen in schools. Assignments and exams are completed by AI. The same sentences and organization can be spotted. A lot of detection software finds common words used, like “reveals,” along with body text seen in a traditional format that’s been taught to students for ages, which is starting to change, so essays are actually authentic.
Schools have their own consequences for AI being used. For example, if a student uses AI in a course, they’d immediately fail and not get the credit. It seems to vary by course. Just this semester, my history professor said that you cannot use corrective programs like Grammarly because it’s detected as AI.
Here in Idaho, our Legislature supports the use of AI in education, saying it’s a necessary workforce tool. The Governor has said that AI is an inevitable, essential tool for workforce preparation, to show students how to use AI safely and responsibly, instead of avoiding.
AI Programs and Applications.
In recent updates, Microsoft has integrated Copilot into Windows. It can summarize emails, suggest content, and access files. While possible to uninstall, Windows updates generally restore it. I’ve personally removed it through the Registry Editor by adding specific policies.
Some apps give people an opportunity to have a companion. Advertisements say that you can communicate as if you’re in a real relationship instead of it being virtual. People have said that ChatGPT has been romantic because they have been kind. Standard AI features can also be found on social media, with Facebook and Snapchat being the two most obvious.
Security Concerns.
A lot of concerns come up with its ability to perform cyberattacks such as phishing emails, retrieving personal data, and hijacking. Government is currently the biggest concern. Recently, the U.S. government has been seen using AI for surveillance, privacy breaches, and military operations.
In recent flights I’ve taken, headshots have been taken at security checkpoints, with many apps now required to do the same in certain states, such as California, to lift age restrictions. They can also be lifted by submitting information such as your ID or passport, or paying to lift the restrictions using your credit card.
My Personal Use and Opinion.
I have found AI to be useful for visual-related assistance. Tasks usually consist of providing alt-text for images, describing certain environments, and scanning documents. I find that to get the best response, you have to be very descriptive and explicitly provide directions. Many in the blind community have used SeeingAI, a visual assistant app developed by Microsoft. With the recent integration of Copilot on its products, I have stopped using it solely for visual aid. With my experience as an IT Support Technician, I believe this may have a major impact in the workspace following a lot of layoffs. We’ll just have to see.
