Dr. Jane Thomason

It's a fact that ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are replacing some jobs and reducing human involvement in others. Predicting the future is difficult, but large generative AI models are here to stay, and people will likely increasingly rely on them for information. For instance, if a student needs help solving a math problem, they can ask a tutor or a friend or consult a textbook, but they may turn to a chatbot in the future. The same goes for other fields, such as legal advice or medical expertise. What does this mean for work, education, and life? When humans discovered fire, they had a tool with significant potential for harm and benefit. They had to learn to harness fire for human advancement and protect against its adverse effects, just like with generative AI. This lecture will explain generative AI, where it will be used, and how it will impact our future lives.