As an insurance agent, I’m inundated by all kinds of opportunities to delve into artificial intelligence as a tool to increase my productivity and profit margin.
Those enticements fall on deaf ears. You see, after 40-plus years in my profession, I’m unwilling to expend the time and energy to pursue new avenues in my business.
Perhaps, if I were a young professional just getting started in the business I would look at the opportunities more closely.
Now I’m not saying there cannot be great value in the advancement of artificial intelligence moving forward.
Whether we like it or not, we have all been exposed to forms of AI for years; however, in my opinion we need to exhibit caution in how these tools are utilized in decision-making.
Especially in business matters, research reigns supreme. If AI tools are used, no matter what program is applied, some data may be corrupt and inappropriate in presenting to clients.
In my profession, great caution needs to be taken in how available data is used and applied to insurance recommendations. After all, what we are doing is simply compiling existing proven solutions for past problems that may be similar, but not the same.
Experts exist in all fields of endeavor and cannot be totally replaced by shortcuts for efficiency’s sake.
Perhaps one of these days I’ll take a crack at asking one or more AI applications for some advice, but my trust level will not be 100%.
Scripture does speak to this subject somewhat. Here’s the Apostle Paul’s advice to his young protege, Timothy, regarding such innovations:
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Now you may feel I’m stretching God’s Word, but at least give me the benefit of doubt on this point.
What we must consider is the value of the application and the cost of impure data that may affect the outcome.
My greatest concern is for those who will place their total trust in AI and allow it to become their main source of information — in essence the god they turn to for answers in life!
Yes, idols have existed from the earliest days of humanity. They were first carved out of wood, but these days those crude images have been replaced by such things as money, power and sex, to mention just a few.
We must remember this latest innovation was created by man and it does not have a soul.
AI applications will eventually attempt to present emotions, but it is simply advanced data available as a resource to provide efficiencies in the work we want to accomplish.
It sems appropriate to simply remind us that our Heavenly Father has allowed us to experience all kinds of advancements to improve our lives.
Sadly, some use them inappropriately for their personal gain and potential harm.
By the way, let me assure you that all past and future essays coming from this pen will be generated through the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who I trust implicitly. I trust you will place your faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as well!