Be Bigger, Be Better, But Be Correct

Google it.

Google has all the answers.

The problem is - Google isn't always right.

Case in point.

In last week's edition of The Ulysses News, there was a story about a retirement party for Adobe Historical museum's Ginger Anthony. When I wrote the story, I was in a hurry. (Needless to say that is a common occurrence around here when you are as short-handed as we are).

I wanted to include how many years Ginger had worked for the museum in the article, so to try and save time I broke a cardinal rule. I didn't confirm information - I just Googled it.

It appeared legitimate, even stated the date of her retirement party. So, I went for it.

Guess what?

I was wrong.

The information that came up said Ginger had been working for the museum for "almost two decades". In reality, the number of dedicated years Ginger has devoted to the local museum is 39 - almost twice what Google had to say about it.

I should have double checked my source.

It was, however, a reminder to me how important it is to check and double check sources. And, it is a reminder for all those who take the Internet as gospel, believing if the Internet says so - it must be true - that it most certainly is not always correct.

There is a similar problem now with AI (Artificial Intelligence). The difference being, the title itself should tell people the possibility of it being untrue is there. After all, it is called "artificial". And it has already proven how dangerous it can be.

In today's world it surprises me we can still be as trusting as we are.

Why is that?

Is it because deep inside we want to believe there is a little bit of good and honesty in everyone and everything? Or, with the way untruths are being used, is it because everyone loves a good scandal - even if it's not true?

There was a university in Arizona recently that even though they had a rule students weren't allowed to utilize AI to complete their courses, university officials made the decision to use it during graduation.

The result?

Dozens of names were skipped due to a "faulty AI" program. The school then made another "faulty" decision to not go through the list again so students could actually take that special walk to receive their diplomas. A decision which was not the least bit favorable among graduates and their families.

AI and Google have been utilized as weapons in political battles as well. And yet, people still believe in the message they are sending out. Charging those who are the focus of the attacks as "guilty" without having had even the small resemblance of a "fair trial".

So much for innocent until proven guilty.

Still another instance involved high school age students. Some boys thought it was a good idea to take faces of some female students and put them on other "inappropriate" photos.

Technology has been used by scammers who have taken thousands of dollars from hard working people. 

And the list goes on.

When utilized for the right reasons and appropriately, technology can be wonderful. It can make our lives easier. Save time and money.

But, like everything else in this world, when it is not used correctly the results can be devastating. The chances of problems are great, especially when it comes to  technology, as we are a country consistently looking for "bigger and better".

It is this misplaced trust that is one of the catalyst behind the political war we find ourselves in. Anyone can put something out on the Internet (a place it will remain forever and ever). And, invariably there are going to be those who take that information and "run with it". I see it all the time. People who I thought knew better, sharing things with the world that are no more true than the existence of unicorns and flying monkeys.

All it takes is the suggestion of something derogatory about someone they have decided they don't like and wallah - they just know it's true and will share it with anyone who will listen.

Yes, technology is great. When it works and when it is used correctly.

When not - it is something which can tear down our country. Destroy relationships with friends and family. It can cause us to forget what is important in this world. It can distract us from our jobs, and yes, even reality.

Technology can make our lives easier, but it can also encourage us to take the "easy way" rather than do the work that needs to be done.

It would be important to remember there is nothing wrong with "rolling up our sleeves" and getting to work if we want something done right and for the better good.

We don't always need the "fast and furious" as that has a good chance of crashing and burning in the long run.

As cliche as it may sound, there is something to the thought that we should all "stop and smell the roses". Ask questions. Utilize trial and error.

Don't let the shiny, sparkly thing before you cause you to take part in something that has the possibility of causing devastation and harm.

We can do better.

We should do better.

We have a responsibility to do it right.

It is up to us to make this world the best that it can be. To show the next generations the correct way.

Be bigger, be better. But be correct on the road to getting there. There is enough to cause harm without us making it easier.