The place of AI in our world reflections from a user

In my work and daily life I have seen many attitudes toward AI and AI tools. Some fear these tech­nologies, others accept them cautiously and some avoid them altogether. Though these reflections come from my Chris­tian worldview, the ideas are meant for anyone navigating the evolving world of AI.

I intentionally omitted a formal definition of AI in this article. My hope is that by the end of the read any reader who feels uncertain or disillusioned will be inspired to make a personal search online. Exploring AI firsthand can lead to a deeper understanding than any single defini­tion can provide.

A warning about AI use

Before continuing it is important to understand that AI can make mistakes. Sometimes AI “halluci­nates” it creates facts that do not exist and may present them as true or supported by sources. If you rely on AI without learning how to critically evaluate its output you risk being misled and exposed to ridicule. Always verify AI generated informa­tion with trusted sources and apply your own judgment. Thoughtful and careful use of AI is essential.

Understanding fear and

suspicion

Some people especially those who expect the arrival of the Anti-Christ view AI with suspicion and avoid it. From a Christian perspective the Bible teaches that the Anti-Christ will come one day with or without AI. Long before AI existed humans faced dangers requiring vigilance. Early humans protected themselves from wild animals and disease just as we now face digital threats. Every age has risks and opportunities and humans have always created tools to adapt.

Avoiding AI entirely is like a man who fearing accidents never leaves his house only to have a plane crash into his building. This extreme example shows that you cannot fully insulate yourself from a technology that is everywhere. AI already pow­ers water treatment, traffic lights, drug manufacturing and electricity grids. Our phones and daily online activities are deeply connected to AI.

The digital world mirrors the physical one. The threats are not new, what is new is the speed, ano­nymity and reach digital tools offer.

The myth of pure

originality

Many worry about originality when using AI. But the idea that we create alone is a myth. Like journal­ists supported by editors and soft­ware that corrects spelling none of us works solo. Even now tools like Microsoft Word suggest grammar corrections as I write.

In publishing many hands shape an article before readers see it. The final version may differ from the first draft but the author still receives credit.

Tradition and

collaboration

History shows collaboration shapes success. Personal assistants, secretaries and advisers help leaders make decisions. Consider a pres­ident. Their success depends on those around them.

Marriage offers another example. In many traditions the man is head of the home and the wife, his helper. When things go well praise often goes to the head but both contribute.

A skilled carpenter does not use all tools at once but chooses the right one for each task. Similarly AI tools should be used purposefully.

Wisdom not withdrawal

What about those wary of AI? Scripture does not tell believers to prevent hard times or delay the An­ti-Christ. Instead it offers assurance. God helps those who walk in His will.

Proverbs says the name of the Lord is a strong tower where the righteous find safety. In digital life strong passwords, antivirus software and firewalls help but nothing is foolproof. Even presidents have been harmed and nations humbled. Absolute safety does not exist.

For everyone success lies in using tools wisely. Every activity carries risk even drinking water. The key is to learn enough to use tools intelligently. Our jobs and interests determine which tools help us most.

AI at work in everyday life

Smart assistance surrounds us. Google Maps uses AI to suggest routes, show traffic and provide updates. It can suggest eco-friendly options. This tool powers services like Uber which connect people to work opportunities that did not exist before.

Without tools like Google Maps the ride hailing industry might not exist. AI removes barriers that once limited creativity and access. With a smartphone and internet almost any­one can build something meaningful.

Good managers and individuals have always used every available tool to solve problems. My brother, a university professor, said that even with open books some students fail exams. Understanding and wisely using tools makes the difference.

AI tools like large language mod­els can be powerful study aids. You can ask them to explain many sub­jects simply. For example “Explain GDP in simple terms” or “Explain Pythagoras theorem to someone who needs to write an exam tomor­row.” Do you remember questions you wanted to ask your lecturer but never got the chance or the expla­nation did not help? Use AI tools to help you. These tools break down complex ideas into easy explanations.

Common fears about AI

Many fear AI will replace jobs. This is partly true. Some roles may change or disappear. Yet there is still demand for handmade or human centered services. People still hire photographers for weddings even though phones take excellent pic­tures.

Others fear AI might become conscious and rebel. While caution is wise this is not new. Humanity has always wrestled with the power and danger of tools from swords to nuclear bombs. The problem is human nature not the tools. We must use power ethically.

Concerns about

plagiarism and prompting

in AI

Another concern people have is that AI will make students plagia­rise content. But with or without AI cheating and other unethical practices have always existed. A student who fails to study and tries to copy a classmate’s answers is like the same student who will misuse AI tools. There are those who take pride in hard work and follow the right process faithfully.

What sets the lazy apart from the competent in the AI world is their skill in prompting.

Prompting in AI: A

reflection on creativity

and accountability

Prompting in AI means giving clear and detailed instructions called prompts to an AI system to get specific results. This could be text images code or summaries. But prompting is more than just asking questions. In today’s world of gener­ative AI prompting is becoming an art, a way to show thought creativity and purpose.

The more specific and detailed your prompt the more the AI’s output reflects your own creativity. Thoughtful prompting turns AI into a partner in innovation.

For example consider this prompt

“Draw an image of my bed with one broken leg covered in a faded blue bedspread. On the bedspread include a crayon inscription by my toddler daughter that says Ghana written in unsteady uneven letters typical of a young child with a few backward or oversized strokes and slightly smudged as if touched by curious little fingers. Place the bed inside an ancient weathered clay walled cottage in Accra with cracked surfaces and wooden shutters partly open. Let the atmosphere evoke a rainy day muted light filtering in raindrops streaking the windows and puddles forming on the cracked earthen floor. Through the window depict citizens protesting the unregu­lated use of public spaces umbrellas raised placards in hand. At least one placard should visibly display a message such as Protect Our Parks or Public Space Belongs to All. Inside the room add the image of a young Ghanaian girl about five years old sitting on the floor with a crayon in hand writing the word Ghana on a scrap of paper beside the bed. Her presence should enhance the atmosphere of innocence, hope and memory creating a quiet contrast between the warmth of the interior and the unrest outside. The entire scene should carry a deep sense of nostalgia quiet resistance and tender reflection.”

This is no ordinary request. It includes memory emotion setting social context and intent. The AI’s output while generated by a machine is clearly shaped by the prompt creator’s vision.

By contrast a generic prompt like “Draw a bed” lacks creativity and shows laziness. Unfortunately such shallow use is common and exposes users who want shortcuts without effort.

This is not new. The world has always had copycats and shortcuts. What is new is the scale at which AI can spread both creativity and deceit. That is why there must be systems to detect and discourage empty use of generative AI. If AI is to help human potential people must be responsible for the quality of their engagement.

Prompting is not just about getting answers. It is about asking questions and giving directions that reveal the mind behind the machine.

The picture attached to this article was created using this prompt. It could be better but it shows clearly how a thinking prompter differs from a lazy one.

Competence over comfort

AI will not eliminate all jobs but will reduce tolerance for mediocrity. Just as mobile phones made photog­raphy accessible AI makes knowl­edge and productivity tools available to all. Professionals will still have roles but AI raises the baseline.

These tools enable creativity. The question is no longer whether you can do everything yourself but how well you connect ideas and use tools for meaningful results.

Competence creativity and clear purpose remain essential even with AI.

Paying for AI tools and

protecting your data

Many advanced AI tools require subscriptions for full features. Some hesitate to pay for digital tools but spend on clothing or entertainment.

Investing in AI tools can improve work learning and productivity. Paid plans often include better support updates and legal protections.

Users should read the fine print. Many tools use your data to improve systems. Understand if your content may become public or train AI. Choose services that respect privacy and give control.

Working effectively today means knowing where to invest and how to protect your information.

Conclusion

Throughout history people have relied on help from assistants and traffic lights to dictionaries and seminars. AI is the latest and most powerful helper available to all with internet access. It narrows the gap between the privileged and the underserved.

AI will affect each of us wheth­er we like it or not. The key is to learn how to use it wisely to your advantage. If you have faith in God ask Him to protect and guide you through these changing times.

From a faith perspective God is a present help in trouble. Whether or not you share that belief it is true that the closer help is to you the better your odds of success.

Enjoy the journey. Learn the tools. Be wise online. Seek guidance. Watch tutorials. Stay safe.

BY ADADE CAN-TAMAKLOE

The post The place of AI in our world reflections from a user appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

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