Google is set to change its stance on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools with its latest project, an AI that offers helpful life advice to individuals facing difficult situations. According to The New York Times, Google has been testing this AI technology across a range of scenarios, including providing life advice, planning instructions, and tutoring tips. This endeavor is a result of Google merging its DeepMind research lab with its Brain AI team, highlighting the company’s commitment to leading the AI pack. However, this new direction raises concerns about user wellbeing, as Google’s safety experts have previously cautioned against becoming too emotionally attached to AI tools.
The move by Google to assist users with personal challenges marks a significant departure from its previous stance. In the past, Google discouraged emotional reliance on AI tools, fearing a potential loss of agency and diminished health and well-being. The company’s caution was evident in its restrictions on AI tools, such as the Google Bard, which was prohibited from providing advice on medical, financial, and legal matters. However, Google’s latest project suggests a shift in priorities, potentially prioritizing its position in the AI race over user well-being. While Google is also working on other AI-based tools for scientific and creative writing, headline creation, and text pattern extraction, the company itself acknowledged the risks of "deskilling" creative writers through generative AI. The extent to which these projects will materialize remains uncertain, but Google’s determination to lead in the AI field comes with its own set of challenges and criticisms.
Google Testing AI for Life Advice and Assistance
Google is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can provide helpful life advice to individuals facing difficult situations. The tech giant has been testing this AI technology with various assignments, including life advice, planning instructions, and tutoring tips. This project is the result of Google merging its DeepMind research lab with its Brain AI team, demonstrating the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of AI development.
One example of the AI tool’s capabilities is its ability to answer a user’s query about attending a close friend’s wedding when they cannot afford the travel costs. Additionally, the AI’s tutoring function can help individuals improve their skills or learn new ones, while its planning aspect may assist users in creating a financial budget or meal plan.
This shift towards assisting users in their personal challenges is a significant departure for Google. Previously, the company had cautioned against becoming too emotionally attached to AI tools and warned about potential risks to users’ wellbeing and agency. However, with its new AI projects, Google seems to be prioritizing user support, potentially raising questions about the company’s motivations and whether it is focusing on AI dominance over user wellbeing.
Apart from life advice, Google is also working on other AI-based tools. These tools include generating scientific and creative writing, aiding journalists in writing headlines, and extracting patterns from text. Previously, Google had criticized such ideas, expressing concerns about the potential deskilling of creative writers through the use of generative AI. While it remains unclear if these tools will become a reality, Google’s determination to lead in the AI race raises concerns raised by their own experts.
In conclusion, Google is testing an AI tool to provide life advice and assistance to users. This project represents a significant shift in Google’s approach to AI, focusing on helping individuals navigate personal challenges. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on user wellbeing and whether Google is prioritizing AI dominance over user support. Additionally, Google is exploring other AI projects, including generating writing and extracting patterns from text, despite previous concerns about the deskilling of creative writers.
