AI is not the Monster, is it?

I asked the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT system for information related to my consulting work (e.g., What is the up-to-date method for application development project management?). The experience was like a conversation with an actual colleague because I received thoughtful and logical answers that led to more conversation. I was presented with multiple perspectives, not a single correct answer. The conversation made me think critically and informed my work.

I got up close and personal with this AI digital colleague recently. Perhaps we can get to know each other better so I asked, “I am Dorine Andrews. Do you know me?” ChatGPT pulsed a bit, then politely told to me,

 “I don’t have access to personal data about individuals unless it has been shared with me during our conversation. I can’t remember or recall previous interactions, as each conversation is treated as a separate session to ensure privacy and data security. Therefore, I don’t have any knowledge of you specifically, Dorine Andrews. Is there something specific you would like to discuss or inquire about? I’m here to help!.”

 Ok, more context. I published a novel in 2021 and several technical books (1992 and 1994) so I typed, “Dorine Andrews, author” More pulsing, then my digital collegue told me I must be a new, an unknown author or had misspelled my name. ChatGPT was wrong. So much for accuracy.

 I gave ChatGPT one more chance. I typed, “Dorine Andrews, CIO Peace Corps”. I was the CIO from 2010 to 2015. My ChatGPT colleague again replied politely and inaccurately.

“I apologize for any confusion earlier. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there was no publicly available information about a person named Dorine Andrews serving as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Peace Corps. However, it’s important to note that my information might not be up to date, and there could have been changes or new appointments since then. If Dorine Andrews assumed the role of CIO of the Peace Corps after September 2021, I wouldn’t have access to that information. I recommend checking the official website of the Peace Corps or conducting an online search for the most recent updates on the CIO position.”

 My conclusion is that, like a human colleague, an AI colleague can deliver misinformation. It was comforting to know nobody knows of me in the ChatGPT ethos. But it’s discomforting that until I’m known or have gained widespread recognition or coverage (by whose standards I am clueless), I do not exist.

 I took my digital colleague’s recommendation and conducted a Google online search. I exist! As expected, my website dorineandrews.com displayed at the top of the search results. Many links followed. I found that I’m the author of Jack’s Gift, a graduate of the Loyola University of Chicago, and a member of Instagram and Facebook. There are also articles about me in CIO Review as Peace Corps’ CIO, videos on YouTube and links to many of my blog postings. It’s good to know my efforts over the past years to become known business-wise paid off.

 However, being known digitally revealed a dark side. Google results also had a link to a ‘people search’ website. There I found a history of my education, locations where I’ve lived, my career resume and data—multiple addresses and phone numbers that anyone to see. Luckily, that data was old, but it really creeped me out! Now I know why I get all those ‘unknown’ caller messages from Memphis area codes. Like “Cheers” the internet is a place where everyone can know your name. With sleuthing, a threatening digital monster may learn more about me than I know about myself. Yikes! I rushed to my yoga mat, taking deep breaths and stretching to calm myself. Then I remembered what an IT guru scientist told me, a long, long time ago. Once online, privacy vanishes like beer and hot dogs at a baseball game. Back to my mat! Ohmmmmmm. 

How can I be safe? Must I go totally off the digital grid and communicate only by encrypted text messaging and snail mail? Perhaps. But, my personal data is already out there; having been sold and stolen more often than I care to think about. There’s no escape. Should I return to only landline calls, licking envelopes, and waiting days for important news or weeks for never to be delivered packages? Will that keep me safe? Maybe, maybe not. Anonymity guarantees nothing.

Being online is an essential part of my life. I believe its benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Existing in the digital world keeps me sharp, thinking critically and curious to learn more. It’s a source of humor, connections and joy.

The genuine threat to my safety is the lack of online security. I must be a savvy and protective Little Red Riding Hood who knows a monster when she sees one and has weapons to eliminate it as often as necessary. The digital monster steals data and attacks through email and text messages disguised in sheep’s clothing, attempting to penetrate my digital resources. I learned not to let the wolf into them. Have you?