A few months ago, I delivered a presentation to the Texoma Women’s Business Council about artificial intelligence or “AI” as it is more commonly known. In that presentation, I demonstrated OpenAI’s chat model called “ChatGPT.” The outcome of that presentation concluded in two forms. Fear of the power of this technology to take away jobs, and excitement over this technologies ability to make basic business task like marketing much easier. Our Wichita Falls community sometimes feels like it runs behind the times when it comes to new technology. Friends, I am here to tell you that the AI revolution is here and it will alter life in exciting and unanticipated ways. AI is poised to redefine the way we work, live and play, ushering in a new era of efficiency, creativity and connectivity right in our hometown.
In the realm of work, we see small businesses and nonprofit organizations already using AI to gain competitive advantages in productivity, marketing, and innovation. My friend, Jean Hall, the Executive Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Wichita Falls, uses ChatGPT in her marketing campaigns. Jean said, “ChatGPT has been super handy as a starting point for lots of areas of writing such as emails to supporters, social media post, press releases and grant narratives. It doesn’t bypass the whole writing process but it gives me a big boost.”
AI is no stranger to our home lives either, just ask Siri, Alexa or Google, all of which are AI assistants that understand human speech. The next generation of AI is set to be a ubiquitous personal assistant, enhancing convenience and personalization. Imagine an AI that will book your doctor visits based on your health information or fill out time consuming paperwork on your behalf.
This new technology will impact how our students learn as well. In Southwest Rotary’s 4-way speech contest held earlier this year, students were challenged to pick a topic and then apply the 4-way test of the things we think, say, or do. One student surprised me in arguing for AI tools like ChatGPT to be allowed to write his essays on his behalf. Our area teachers, families and students must navigate AI in the classroom to make sure that we are preparing the next generation for success.
Of course, the impact of AI is not confined to work and everyday life; it extends to leisure and entertainment as well. Recent strikes in Hollywood by the Screenwriters and Screen Actors Guilds are partially driven by concerns over the use of AI in Hollywood. Meanwhile, AI is set to impact every element of our culture and entertainment.
Writers and novelist are already receiving instant suggestions for plot twists or dialogue construction. Musicians can harness AI-generated harmonies to elevate their compositions. The result is an exciting fusion of human creativity and AI-augmented innovation that has the potential to reshape the artistic landscape.
In my opinion, the potential for AI to change how we work, live and play here in Wichita Falls, and around the world, is undeniable. Ethically, we need to closely scrutinize this advancement. We need to make sure that credit is given where it is due, that our businesses are rewarded for work, that our workers benefit, and that our students learn. We need to use this new technology wisely, and with care.
Steve Haviland
Steve Haviland is the founder and CEO of Business Technology Solutions Group (BTSG) an I.T. management firm serving Wichita Falls, Lawton, and Oklahoma City. You can learn more about Steve and BTSG online at www.btsg.io.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Techie tips: The AI Revolution is in Wichita Falls
