Dr. Kendra Gaines, Editor-in-Chief, IJHC

When I am asked about my reaction to AI and ChatGPT, I get quiet, usually because the question makes me grumpy. I don’t like to impose my rare grumpiness on others, so silence seems like the best alternative. But it has been a few years now that I’ve been considering my reaction, and at this point I know what it is. Grumpiness. Also, for the most part, negativity. I’ll explain.

Most people know by now what AI and ChatGPT are, so I will not spend time on definitions. We are told in glowing terms that AI will transform the workplace, make life easier for us all, and generally work breathtaking miracles. I will grant you that it is an extraordinary invention and that, under specific circumstances, primarily in business settings, it can speedily handle all those mundane tasks that often swallow up time with little to show for it. I also know that for the present, it is in the “ooo and ahh” stage of novelty, when we are all fascinated by its promises for our various futures. I’ve attended meetings and lectures in academic settings where I’ve heard it praised for its ability to “inspire” students and “help their creativity.” In short, it obviously holds promise, and in general, we’re all excited about it.