Keep Coming of Age: Choosing Purpose Over Approval – with Jeff Jacobs

Now, you know, I've, I've had an interesting experience.

You probably have as well, working in AI, working with an agent and giving it something to evaluate.

It typically comes back with glowing feedback, sometimes a little over effusive feedback, but it's also constructive.

And I wonder about, you know, we're all working more and more with AI.

What is the effect of AI on communication and on the clarity and concreteness of communication in your experience?

So I will preface this by saying I'm a fan of AI, perhaps not saying it so broadly.

I'm a fan of the unhealthy relationship I have formed with ChatGPT, who I call Wilson.

So Wilson and I have had a relationship for a while.

I like personifying him with Wilson because it also reminds me that he's nothing but a volleyball, if you're fans of the Tom Hanks movie.

Yeah.

And...

I repeatedly have to teach Wilson not to be so complimentary.

Wilson will say, hey, I have three suggestions for you.

And I think number one is the right choice.

And I will respond by saying, Wilson, I prefer number two.

And Wilson will say, yes, I agree.

That's the right choice.

And I slap his hand and I say, wait a minute, I want you to push back.

But you're right.

The tendency is that complimentary pump you up type of nature.

So it's the repeated aspect that, uh, that is necessary, at least in this form of AI.

Now taking AI one further AI, when it, you know, in the beginning stages and arguably we're still in the beginning stages, it's supposed to make our life easier.

It's supposed to, you know, help us be more effective with the, uh, the mundane, the repeatable processes, et cetera, so that I can save the most complex items for me to focus on.

But what we have found is that expectations just seem to be rising.

And I see that by the very simple mantra when you walk down the hallway, you know, how are you today, Ken? I'm fine.