Studying the concept of 'reality' with Year 8 in Theology, Philosophy and religion has always been a really rewarding experience. This year we have had another dimension to add to miracles, telekinesis, Plato's cave, places of pilgrimage and the like. It is the spectre of AI. The final discussion of 'What effect does AI have on people's concept of reality?' was a short one. 'It's all messed up sir'. I always need examples to back up opinion and the example provided was scary. The platform Snapchat has an option for users to create their own virtual friend My AI. The user can design the 'bot' physically and also influence the character and traits of the 'bot'. The AI friend may contact the user by Snapchat. The really worrying aspect is that children, teenagers and adults who are vulnerable may confuse My AI with a real friend, value the interactions becoming obsessed. Those who are vulnerable may well be those who struggle with their ...
The Playful Pen
The Playful Pen is a collection of writings by Tim Pitman. Tim lives with epilepsy. He has been a teacher for most of his life and has hoped to remove the stigma of living with epilepsy by pursuing his many interests where others may have found their epilepsy limiting. He has always written, and now gives more time over to play writing, a passion. Much of his work is inspired by a life spent with 'an unwelcome friend'.