The Psychology of 'Searching for What AI Cannot Do': How to Face an Imperfect World

Why do we find ourselves searching for 'what AI cannot do'?

The evolution of generative AI is truly remarkable. It can write text, create images, and write code. As someone who works in research and development in the manufacturing industry, I have a keen interest in new technology and play with generative AI almost every day as a hobby.

On the other hand, we always hear voices saying, 'AI cannot do such and such' or 'It's just AI after all.' Of course, AI is not omnipotent. It makes mistakes and does not have a human heart (at least for now).

However, why are there people who insist on emphasizing and searching for what it 'cannot do'? Today, I would like to think a little about the psychology behind this and how to have a better relationship with new technology.

The habit of thinking that searches for 'reasons why it cannot be done'

This is not limited to AI. When something new or unknown appears, we unconsciously search for its flaws or risks. It may be a kind of defensive instinct against change.

However, people who enthusiastically search for 'what AI cannot do' often have a habit of thinking that focuses on the negative aspects of things.

・When presented with a new project, they first list the concerns.

・When they hear about someone else's success, they suspect the risks behind it.

・When planning a trip, they worry about trouble before they feel the excitement.

Does this sound familiar? This 'fault-finding mindset' is the flip side of caution and crisis management ability, but if it goes too far, it hinders new challenges and leads to mental exhaustion. Above all, it is simply not fun.

The world is inherently imperfect

Let's change our perspective a little here.

In the first place, does anything perfect exist in this world? Humans also make mistakes, forget things, and get emotional. The society and systems we live in are also always facing some kind of problem. Since there are no perfect humans, this is only natural.

The world is made up of a collection of inherently imperfect parts.

Even so, why do we demand 'perfection' only from AI, new technologies, and projects? Things created by imperfect humans cannot possibly be perfect. AI is also just one of the imperfect tools newly added to this imperfect world.

The one trick to focusing on 'what can be done'

So, how can we break free from the search for 'what cannot be done'?

The answer is simple.Focus on 'what can be done' and think about how to make the most of it.That is all there is to it.

In my case, I view AI not as a 'perfect butler,' but as an 'assistant who is quite capable but occasionally makes mistakes.' At least, that is how it is at this stage.

It is rare for the output to be a perfect 100 points. I take what comes out at around 70 points, supplement the remaining 30 points with my own knowledge and experience, and finish it off to 120 points. This collaborative process is extremely intellectual and stimulating.

Instead of lamenting imperfection, think about how to supplement and master that imperfection. By simply adopting this perspective, AI becomes not a threat, but a powerful partner.

And... perhaps we also need a certain level of resolve and resignation that, eventually, AI will surpass all human abilities. Given the speed at which AI performance has been improving lately, I cannot help but feel that the time to discard the pride that humans are the pinnacle of creation is just around the corner.

A way of life that finds amusement in imperfection

There is not much point in looking for what AI cannot do. This is because technology is constantly evolving, and what could not be done today will be possible tomorrow. It is a waste of time to spend it on such a game of cat and mouse.

Instead, it is more constructive and leads to a more enjoyable life to think about 'what can be done' with the technology we have now and to rack our brains on how to enrich our work and lives.

Do not seek perfection; find amusement in imperfection.

That is a little trick for living happily in this unpredictable world, and it is not limited to just how we interact with AI.