THE TUSSLE WITH AI OVER LANGUAGE

EVERY once in a while, I have an argument standing at my doorstep.

- GEETHA RAVICHANDRAN

It's with a delivery agent who asks me for an OTP. The package has been ordered by a family member, who is not at home or is inaccessible at the moment. I point out to them that they are at my door, the address is right and the package is paid for. I am informed that without the OTP the delivery cannot be closed in their system. I offer to sign a paper, like we do for India Post deliveries. However, rules are rules and processes are processes, so they leave with the package, saying they will attempt to deliver the next day. Our techdriven life sometimes leaves no room for common sense and practicality.

A majority of people are smitten by technology, especially that driven by artificial intelligence. It has indeed made many aspects of decision-making smoother and faster. Recently, the head of the tech giant Microsoft expressed a dislike for the term artificial intelligence. He is quoted as having said, "Because I have my intelligence. I don't need any artificial intelligence." He also said 'different intelligence' would be a better term. It is doubtful whether a change in nomenclature would change the game. Rather, there is a need to assert the stupendous dimensions of human intelligence.

The ability to use complex language is a distinct feature of the human species.