Design by Sawyer Pennington
Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| I’ll admit that I hate technology and prefer to keep my ostrich head in the sand. But although I’ve slowly gotten better and try not to immediately default into freakout mode, all this talk about AI not only confuses me but scares me. It reminds me of the 1968 movie “2001 A Space Odyssey," the computer named HAL, and the potential for machines to help us or harm us. (Yes, I’m being a bit dramatic, but then again, maybe not …) We've talked about how AI could help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, like cancer. But wherever there’s opportunity for good, there can also be bad actors. And it’s all happening so incredibly fast, which makes it even more overwhelming. If I'm being honest, I really don't want to have to understand it, let alone learn how to use it. |
| Dear Ostrich, AI is already embedded in things we use every day, from spam filters and driving routes to editing photos taken on our smartphones. What has changed is that it is far more visible and can do so much more. I have been playing with it for years and, yes, it is a powerful tool — for good and evil. Which is exactly why people cannot stop thinking for themselves. AI may be able to generate an answer, but we still have to ask the questions and decide whether the answer is accurate, relevant, and worth acting on. Even if you choose not to use AI, you need to understand enough to question what you see, hear, and read. AI can be wrong and still sound very convincing because it can hallucinate. It can also be used intentionally to mislead. The more capable AI becomes, the more important independent thinking, critical thinking, and good judgment will become. And, knowing what AI can do — and, just as importantly, what it cannot do — is essential. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io 
Black assets.rebelmouse.io THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- Does AI scare or excite you? Why?
- What do you see as the greatest benefit of AI? The greatest risk?
- As AI changes the workplace, which human skills do you think will matter most, and why?
- How can you tell whether information created by AI is accurate and trustworthy?
Design by Sawyer Pennington
Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| People seem to disagree about everything these days. And instead of listening to one another, everyone seems determined to prove why they’re right. Growing up, and really until my crisis forced me to change (prompted by you, I might add), I’ve always preferred to avoid conflict. Still do. And most of the time, I can. But since you’re the “debate queen”, I’m curious. How do you change someone’s mind? I suppose you’re going to say it takes having all your facts and figures ready. Or as they used to say on the 1950s TV show Dragnet, "Just the facts, ma'am." |
| Ironically, the key to changing someone’s mind may be closer to your natural tendencies than you realize. Start by listening, not correcting. Telling someone how wrong they are (or how right you are) is fun if you want to start a debate — but not if you genuinely want them to consider another point of view. And, yes, facts and figures matter, but most people find them intimidating and boring. (I know it makes your eyes glaze over.) Find out WHY they believe what they do. Look for something on which you agree. And then, explain your position and why — but not by reciting facts. We are a storytelling society. Facts may support your point, but stories are often what help people “feel it” and see the issue differently. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- Have you ever tried to change someone's mind? How did you approach it? Did it work?
- When you disagree with someone, do you begin by asking questions or explaining why you're right?
- Has anyone ever changed your mind? What made you willing to reconsider?
- Are you trying to change the other person's mind or simply win the argument?
P.S. – You might be interested in our list of “7 Ways To Change Someone’s Mind.”