When you become frustrated with AI

Frustrated AI robot
by Bing Image Creator

AI isn't perfect.  Sometimes we ask questions or send prompts to an AI service and get completely different answers.  As examples:

  • One service I use has the ability to read live web pages and most of the time when I ask it to review or summarize a web page I get a good result.  Sometimes it refuses to read the web page of the given URL and summarizes something totally different.  
  • One time I asked an image creator to show me an image of a high school football game from the line of scrimmage but it ended up blocking the results as "too violent"
  • Another instance I asked for an example of a villanelle (a type of poem) and the AI started with "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas -- and got so far into the work as "Do not go gentle into" and then blocked the rest of the response with the message "This content may violate our content policy or terms of use. If you believe this to be in error, please submit your feedback — your input will aid our research in this area."  I'm thinking to myself... that's your response!
  • Also, one time I was traveling from Indianapolic to Kansas City by car and I was aware of significant road contstruction between Terra Haute (IN) and Effingham (IL).  The AI I used to plan alternate routs failed extensively, including one route that sent me 40 miles south, 20 miles east, and then backtrack 20 miles west and 40 miles north to the same spot.  Ugh.

No, AI isn't perfect.  Here are some tips to consider when encountering frustrating or negative experiences while communicating with AI:

  1. Stay Patient: It's important to remember that AI systems, including chatbots, are continuously learning and improving. Frustration can lead to more misunderstandings, so maintaining patience is key.
  2. Rephrase Your Query: If the AI is struggling to understand or provide a suitable response, try rephrasing your question or request. Sometimes, a slight rewording can make a significant difference.
  3. Use Specific Prompts: Be as specific as possible in your queries. AI systems often perform better when they have clear and precise instructions.
  4. Take Breaks: If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a short break from the interaction. This can help you return with a fresh perspective.
  5. Provide Context: Adding context to your questions or requests can help the AI better understand your intentions. For example, instead of asking for "restaurant recommendations," you could specify your preferred cuisine or location.
  6. Utilize Feedback: If an AI system repeatedly fails to meet your expectations, consider providing feedback to the developers. Many AI platforms use user feedback to improve their services.
  7. Try Different Platforms: If one AI system isn't providing the results you want, explore other platforms or chatbots. Different AI models and systems may excel in different areas.
  8. Understand Limitations: Recognize that AI systems have limitations. They may not always provide the desired response, especially in complex or highly contextual situations.
  9. Manage Expectations: Keep in mind that AI is not a perfect replacement for human interactions. It's a tool designed to assist and automate certain tasks.
  10. Learn and Adapt: As you continue to use AI, you'll likely become more adept at crafting prompts and queries that yield better results. Learning from your interactions can help you communicate more effectively with AI.

Out of interest on this very topic, Microsoft's Bing Chat (one that I find more likely to become infuriating) provided this:

Certainly! Here are some tips for managing negative emotions when communicating with AI:

    1. Take a break from the conversation if you become upset.
    2. Seek support from friends or family members.
    3. Rephrase your prompt or provide more specific details to help the AI better understand your request.

Bing Chat only provided three.  I can't help but laugh at #2:  "Seek support from freiends or family members"  Hey Microsoft, maybe it's your software... and naturally if you have become so emotional in AI interactions that you really do need to seek support go do that.  Also, stop using that AI permanently.

Remember, AI technologies are continually evolving, and the quality of interactions can vary based on the specific AI model and the data it has been trained on. Being patient and adaptable is essential for making the most of AI assistance. 

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