Tag: technology

Is AI Taking Over the World a Good Thing?

By: Andrew Howle

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a sophisticated branch of computer science that creates machines capable of simulating human thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning. It was first developed in 1956 but did not come to light until recently, with the emergence of ChatGPT and OpenAI. These computational machines have the ability to obtain knowledge more efficiently and effectively than humans in a faster and more sophisticated manner. The chatbots learn every time a command is imputed into a site. However, these chatbots are not always right with the answer given to our question. These answers sometimes can be completely wrong or the AI can interpret the question wrongly, leading to a false answer.

Although AI makes mistakes, it becomes more enhanced every day, leading to fewer errors. This super knowledge or super weapon could be the utter downfall of our society. Each country is not going to end the development of intelligence, because another country will catch ahead. This ideology is most noted from the Bible, being called the Problem of Moloch. This problem is described as a situation where groups are driven to destructive outcomes through a series of rational, self-interested decisions, even though no one wants the bad result. An example of this is competitive athletes who inject steroids into their bodies to gain a competitive edge over their opponents. However, this edge leads to health problems, notably in the heart down the road. These steroids are not used by many, but since people have the opportunity to gain an edge many take the shot. This is similar to AI with countries trying to outdo each other with their intelligence. Even though sophisticated AI could lead to job loss and machines taking over the economic system. Countries are still beginning to develop the usage of AI.

Another reason AI is being widely used is the lucrative aspect of intelligence. Companies like OpenAI are making billions of dollars from the usage of AI. There are web companies like Grammarly that have added chat bots to do the work for papers. A notable example in Sumter is the AI drive-thru at Bojangles, taking your order. This AI is taking the job of a human who could be earning money. Although AI seems to be helpful now. It is a very harmful thing for the future. I think that the development needs to be capped so it does not become over humans one day. 

Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School

By: Benson Elmore

Phones are often not allowed in schools because many people think they distract students. While phones can sometimes be distracting, I believe they should be allowed in school because they can actually help students in many ways. As a 17-year-old student, I know phones are a big part of our lives and can be useful if we use them the right way.

One important reason phones should be allowed is because they help with learning. When students don’t understand something in class, they can use their phones to look it up quickly. There are many websites and videos that explain things better than textbooks sometimes. For example, if someone doesn’t get a math problem, they can watch a short video to help them understand. Phones also have tools like dictionaries, translators, and calculators that help students learn faster and easier.

Phones also help students stay organized. School means keeping track of a lot of homework, tests, and projects. Using the calendar or reminder apps on a phone makes it easier to remember when things are due. Instead of writing everything on paper planners that can get lost, phones keep all the important dates in one place and remind students. This helps students not forget their work or be unprepared for tests.

Another big reason phones should be allowed is safety. Having a phone means students can call their parents or get help if something bad happens. Whether they need a ride home or there is an emergency, phones help students stay connected and safe. This is very important because being able to talk to someone quickly can make a big difference.

I know phones can be distracting if students use them to text or play games during class. But instead of banning phones, schools should teach students how to use them responsibly. Knowing when and how to use phones the right way is an important skill that will help us in college and later in life.

In conclusion, phones should be allowed in school because they help with learning, staying organized, and safety. With clear rules and help from teachers, phones can be useful tools instead of distractions. Schools need to accept that phones are part of our world and learn how to use them in a way that helps students.

Electric v Gas Cars

By: Campbell Cromer

While electric cars are often said to be the future of transportation, there are several reasons why they may not be the best choice for everyone or even the environment. First, electric vehicles are often advertised as zero-emission, but this doesn’t tell everything. The electricity required to charge electric vehicles is still largely produced by fossil fuels, so while they may not emit pollutants directly, they still contribute to the carbon emissions indirectly. Also, the production of the high powered batteries, which power electric vehicles relies on mining rare metals like cobalt and lithium. Mining these resources is harmful to the environment and often raises issues around labor practices.

Electric vehicles are also greatly less convenient than their gas-powered parts. While the number of charging stations is expanding, it still falls in comparison to the accessibility of gas stations. Charging an electric vehicle takes significantly longer than filling up a gas car, even with the newest fast-charging stations . For people who drive long distances or don’t have access to home charging setups, this can be a major challenge to the owners of electric vehicles. There is something called range anxiety where people are scared to run out of charge while on the road. Range anxiety is real, and running out of charge is a larger problem to solve than running out of gas.

The upfront cost of an electric vehicle is often higher than the price of a traditional gas car. While people argue that electric vehicles save money on fuel and maintenance, these savings are generally seen over a long period of time, and not everyone drives enough to see the benefits.

Finally, gas cars have just a little over a century of engineering on them. They are efficient, reliable, and adaptable. Electric vehicles might be new and what everyone wants, but their effects, hidden environmental impact, and high cost make them a questionable option when buying a new car for the average driver today. Gas cars on the other hand, remain a practical and dependable option no matter what.