Observations from a Beverly Hills Realtor Endre Barath, Jr. and why I have a great many growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI)
This post was inspired by an Active Rain Challenge by Kat Palmiotti
I'll start out by saying that I am not against the principle of technology (and will take it a step further by saying how much online shopping I do). When the Internet and the advent of email first came about and people got comfortable with it, my life as a Realtor became incredibly easier. I'm sure those that have been Realtors as long as I have will agree. Who remembers trudging from one real estate office to another, notepad in hand to get the inventory from agents? How about when the "big book” was introduced and listings were printed with the agent’s name and phone number. Hence when the Multiple Listing Service came online, I for one was very appreciative of not having to gather the inventory by the old school style any longer.
Remember too the excitement over the office fax machine when we didn't necessarily need to present offers and counter offers face to face. I was even more thrilled when I bought my own home fax machine. Next we got a second line so the home phone wouldn't be busy while the fax machine was in use. Next I got a home printer, copy machine and scanner, how much more efficient could we be? Wait, here comes DocuSign! How fun to look back on how far we have come in a relatively short period of time - and we haven't even touched on cell and smartphones. Certainly, these technological improvements have made all of our lives easier as International and Local Realtors being able to work from the comforts of our own homes or anywhere if we so choose.
On the other hand, however, I am not in favor of AI and ChatGPT for many reasons. While I could fill a book with my reasons, I will name just a few points here. For starters, if you search the internet the definition you would find is this:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. AI is broadly classified into two main rule-based systems and machine learning systems. Rule-based systems follow a set of pre-defined rules to make decisions, while machine learning systems use algorithms to learn from data and improve over time….
In my opinion, while technology certainly has its many advantages, it has also already reduced our ability to think independently. Let me use a few simple examples.
When I was growing up, we could glance at a restaurant bill, and add it up and confirm that the bill was correct. We could easily calculate in our heads a 15% to 20% tip. As time went by, people would take out a calculator to accomplish this same simple mathematical calculation. Now we can take out our smartphone and use the calculator app which is generally on everyone's home screen. Go to the store and pay with cash - the correct change is calculated by inputting the information into the register. Most likely for a bill that is $18.27 if you give the cashier a $20.00, he or she may not be able to figure the change if the register doesn't do the calculation.
Another example is our cars' GPS systems. I remember when we looked at a map and figured out our routes, before TripTix from AAA became available. I still have a laminated Thomas Guide in the garage from 26 years ago when we relocated from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA - I'd never leave home or office without it. Then I would print out MapQuest pages. Now that all cars usually have a GPS as a standard feature, there are millions of drivers who have never experienced what I just described above.
GPS is not infallible, however, not only did I have my own personal experience (that some here might remember!) but apparently last month in Hawaii, a tourist couple followed their GPS directions right into the harbor. You can search this on the Internet and a video should come up of someone filming this on May3 2023.
While I could go on with my thoughts and examples of why AI is bad for society, I'll leave it with the short take that we are dumbing down society and the less people think independently, the worse I fear it will be for future implications.
Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach out to me directly!! If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 ( m) homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue organizations. Endre Barath, Jr. Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE#01238708
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