Is AI friend or foe to the built environment?

THIS July, an open letter signed by more than 1,300 experts declared AI a “force for good, not a threat to humanity”. It followed an earlier letter in which tech leaders including Elon Musk suggested AI posed an “existential risk”. So, which is it?

I’m no technophobe, but I’m no digital native either, and I prefer to think for myself than rely on someone –or something – else to do it for me. As well as worrying it will make people mentally lazy, I’d like people to keep their jobs.

The experts we spoke to for the opening feature in our first BE Informed collection of thought leadership pieces were more equivocal, but I’m still not convinced. In my chat with ChatGPT, while I was shocked at how plausible (if formulaic) its responses were, I was disturbed by disclaimers warning that ‘”the systems may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information and produce offensive or biased content”. It also admitted “there may be times when I encounter questions that are beyond my knowledge” and suggested that “for the latest information, it’s always a good idea to consult trusted sources or seek expert advice”.

And therein lies the problem. ChatGPT says in a disclaimer “it is not intended to give advice”, yet in a response it implies that is exactly what it is used for.

I was advised (by a human) that I’d elicit better answers if I had a proper conversation with it, but honestly? I’d rather cosy up to Terminator. You?