I have seen several people who try to resist progress and the development of the times. Their attitude tends to reject or belittle new things. Seeking the weakness or negativity of new things.
For example, if we have an IT background, we know that one of the latest technologies is the advancement in the field of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence. One phenomenal example is ChatGPT from OpenAI.
We can ask many questions to chatGPT and get answers. We can ask for retirement preparation advice, tips for planting certain plants, ask for math problem solutions, ask about what an abstract is, and how to make an abstract to request a coding sample based on a certain programming language.
For those of us who think straight, the response when using chatGPT is: “The technology is amazing. It has developed so much. Has incredible potential for development”
But for those who reject progress, the response is: “ChatGPT is not that good. Still many mistakes. Far from Google. Be careful, chatGPT sometimes gives wrong answers about mathematics. Sometimes the advice can also lead astray. etc…”
First, compared to Google, which was born more than 20 years ago with ChatGPT, which is still a baby, it is obviously much different. And that should make Google tremble because the ability of ChatGPT is incredible for a technology that is still a baby. If you are curious, just compare the ability of Google Translate with ChatGPT.
When I used to write in English, I tried to write directly and sometimes I got stuck because I was confused about how to process the words and sentences. Finally, I asked for help from Google Translate. I sent the result from Google Translate to Grammarly, and then it was published.
With chatGPT, I just copy and paste the writing, then I give a description: “Hey chatGPT, please translate it…”. ChatGPT immediately translates the writing into a more fluent English version compared to manual translation.
If the writing is still too short, I say again: “Hi chatGPT, please continue this essay”, and chatGPT will write the continuation of the writing with various language and topic choices.
After it’s done, I tell chatGPT: “Please give me an intriguing or a click-bait title for the following essay” and chatGPT gives me several intriguing choices of titles to read.
The biggest mistake someone makes in responding to change and progress is our assumption that we swallow the development and progress of the times. For example, it is as if I relied on chatGPT for all my writing work, from choosing a topic, theme, and content to the title. As if I directly copy and paste all the content.
However, the name of the tool is used to help with work. Not to replace the work completely. I use chatGPT to give me ideas, guidance, and writing frameworks or examples. After that, I will review whether it is good enough or still needs change and touch-up. If it is good enough, then I will publish it.
When I ask for advice about the title of a paper, the abstract, and others, I don’t just swallow it whole. I revalidate whether the example of a scientific journal abstract proposal I made reflects the background, objective, methodology, and expected results.
Another example is the technology for electric motors and cars, skeptical people will look for various weaknesses.
“Electric cars have a short range. It’s a hassle. Gas or solar cars are better because they have a longer range.”
“Electric cars are not cool. Their shape is weird.”
“Electric cars are dangerous. What if we get electrocuted during a flood? What if the battery gets hot and explodes? What if it breaks down, we can’t fix it at a normal workshop.”
They keep looking for faults and weaknesses. Criticism is fine, but don’t make us blind to the opportunities and potential that exist. The range of electric cars was not far at first, but now it can reach 400 km and even more.
In the past, it took almost a whole night to charge an electric car, now it only takes a few hours. The longer the technology advances and develops. There is ongoing improvement so what we criticize today may soon become irrelevant.
If my father-in-law is skeptical about electric cars, it can still be understood because, in addition to age considerations, my father-in-law also worked for years at Mitsubishi, dealing with gasoline or solar cars and familiar with the maintenance of gasoline vehicles. However, if we, who are still young and exposed to wider information, still close ourselves off from opportunities for progress, there is a possibility that we are too afraid to face change.
Not all opportunities for progress are always successful. Not all new things are also beneficial. However, every time there is new technology and development, the best step we can take is to approach it with an open mind. If necessary, we “ride the technology”. We become the subject, the actor, or the rider of new technology. We “ride the technology”, not become the victim of technology.
