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While there are clear and tangible benefits of AI, one could argue that AI cannot completely wipe out the fundamental aspects of humanity.
By Prof Dr Murali Raman
A child cries for milk. Sofea the humanoid at home dashes to the kitchen and makes a warm bottle of milk and places it in the hands of the weeping baby. The crying stops. The baby’s real mother is unperturbed, and yes, still fast asleep.
While this may seem like a scene from a science fiction movie—will this be a real situation very soon? Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) completely replace humans in performing deep-rooted emotional functions like being there as a parent? A coach in a football match? A teacher at school? A psychiatrist in a mental well-being centre?
AI enthusiasts often argue that machines will eventually be able to replace human beings, for many functions, beyond routine ones—including, for example, deciding on a landmark court case and even prescribing medication for an ailment.
There are also instances where school leavers are turning towards ChatGPT in assisting them to decide what courses to pursue in universities. Interesting times indeed.
There are clear and tangible benefits of AI such as the use of ChatGPT for a variety of reasons in the realms of education and other settings.
In the case of school leavers, seeking the ideal programme and career prospects, one should not rely completely on the GPT or other AI-assisted tools.
However, one could argue that AI cannot completely wipe out the fundamental aspects of humanity, namely the ability to connect with other sapiens at a much deeper and emotional level.
In the case of school leavers, seeking the ideal programme and career prospects, one should not rely completely on the GPT or other AI-assisted tools.
Here are several reasons why:
Research suggests that AI cannot replicate emotional intelligence—which is driven by a keyword called empathy. Empathy is an emotional trait of being able to put ourselves into someone else’s shoes, dynamically. In this regard, while AI can mirror human intelligence, mimicking emotional intelligence may be an issue. Stated differently, no matter how fast AI evolves, developing a strong, deeper, and meaningful relationship between man and machine seems rather unlikely.
While ChatGPT may be useful to get our data and facts in deciding our academic future, it is best if this data is complemented with a human touch—a gentle touch of a good academic counsellor. Someone who can quickly understand how we feel internally and advise us accordingly using factual data generated by technology.
Another reason why AI may never replace human beings completely is given that its creative processes are subject to the data and inputs it receives. Yes, a machine can learn and outperform its predecessors, but the ability to respond to emotional states such as compassion, love, sorrow, fear, and resentment, is probably unattainable. It is mythical to assume that AI can evolve to any given change in a situation. This is where, the power of emotional intelligence within an experienced counsellor, will add more value to the young minds in search of guidance.
SPM school leavers should seek humanly charged counsellors and academic teams who know how to use AI to bring out the best in you by understanding your aspirations.
The World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2023 states that soft skills such as analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening communication, are very important for future graduates. As such, while AI tools such as ChatGPT may provide school leavers with factual data, it is advisable to seek an expert’s viewpoint in selecting courses and programmes that will assist us to harness our social and emotional skills. Developing soft skills or assessing where we stand in relation to our soft skills, will need the human touch.
Let’s face it, AI will not exist unless human intelligence exists! We need not fear AI or become totally reliant on ChatGPT to make every single decision. We must use these tools wisely, complementing their benefits and value offered with the power of human intelligence coupled with human values and emotional reasoning.
As such, SPM school leavers should seek humanly charged counsellors and academic teams who know how to use AI to bring out the best in you by understanding your aspirations.
As a premier digital technology institution, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) uses AI as a tool to develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with society in general.
If you want to know more about our programme, APU welcomes you to speak with its counsellors to help you to understand your options and choose a programme that is right for you.
The Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) purpose-built campus with ultra-modern design is strategically located in Mranti Park, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
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Prof Dr Murali Raman is the deputy vice-chancellor (academic development and strategy), Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), overseeing Post Graduate and Continuous Education – focusing on Executive Training and Consultancy. Professed with a passion for training people, Prof Murali’s niche training areas include Design Thinking, Colored Brain Communication and Emotional Drivers, Digital Economy, Crafting Digital Strategies and Mindset change.