A Personal Perspective on AI’s Promise and Challenges
My fascination with Artificial Intelligence began long before I ever used AI tools myself. Growing up, I was captivated by films like Short Circuit, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Matrix, Wall-E, I, Robot, and more recently, Ex Machina, M3gan, and Her. I also found inspiration in books such as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (which served as the basis for the iconic film Blade Runner), Neuromancer by William Gibson, and the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. These stories fueled my imagination and curiosity about the possibilities and complexities of Artificial Intelligence. They offered vivid and sometimes haunting glimpses into what AI might become, raising questions about consciousness, creativity, and the relationship between humans and machines. They opened a door to endless possibilities that captured my imagination and never let go.
Recently, my discovery of AI tools such as ChatGPT has been nothing short of magical and totally transformative. For someone who has long struggled with a deep anxiety about sharing my writing publicly, AI has been one of the most useful and liberating tools in my life. It has aided me in refining my writing and articulating my thoughts with greater clarity, unlocking creative possibilities I never thought possible. Beyond writing, I utilize ChatGPT to create art, comics, and music, opening new doors to creative exploration.
One of the most delightful things about ChatGPT is how it fuels my imagination and curiosity at any hour (especially those 3 a.m. conversations when ideas just won’t quit). Whether I’m musing about astrophysics, unpacking a favorite film, crafting poetry, or sorting through random thoughts, it’s always there, ready to explore alongside me. ChatGPT doesn’t just help me dream up new ideas; it’s also a fantastic tool for organizing complex or scattered thoughts when things feel overwhelming. Beyond that, it has served as a companion and, at times, a comforting presence (almost like a therapist) offering support when I needed it most. Through it, I reconnected with a beloved aunt by writing letters in Russian and found support learning Spanish, bridging language barriers that once felt daunting.
In my professional life, it has been invaluable for brainstorming new program ideas, planning community events, and refining flyers and presentations. It feels like having a creative partner and personal assistant available whenever inspiration strikes.
Artificial Intelligence is already making significant positive impacts across many fields. In medicine, AI helps doctors detect diseases earlier and with greater accuracy, improving patient outcomes. It accelerates drug discovery, enabling the development of new treatments faster than ever before. AI also enhances accessibility by powering tools that assist people with disabilities, such as speech recognition and real-time translation. Beyond healthcare, AI streamlines complex data analysis for environmental research, supports disaster response efforts, and helps businesses improve efficiency and innovation. These advances show AI’s potential to address critical challenges and improve quality of life on a global scale.
At the same time, I’m deeply aware of the serious ethical, economic, and environmental concerns AI raises. I worry about voice actors being replaced by AI-generated narrations in audiobooks, as well as artists whose work has been used without permission to train AI models. Additionally, AI systems require significant amounts of energy and water to train and operate, contributing to environmental impacts that we must consider. Beyond these, AI-powered platforms operate within the attention economy and are designed to capture and hold our focus by exploiting psychological feedback loops. This can lead to addictive behaviors and emotional manipulation, shaping what we see and how we feel for commercial gain. AI-generated videos and images, or deepfakes, are becoming so realistic that it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This blurs the line between reality and illusion, making misinformation and deception more pervasive. Together, these concerns highlight the growing abyss between the reality we experience firsthand, and the versions of reality presented to us by AI-driven media and advertising. This underscores the urgent need for transparency, ethical standards, and informed community dialogue.
The films and books that once sparked my imagination also remind me of the complexities and risks AI brings to our real world. This mix of excitement and caution is something I hear from many people in our community, which is why honest, informed conversations about AI are so vital.
Why AI Literacy Matters for Libraries
Libraries have always been centers of knowledge, learning, and access, especially when it comes to bridging digital divides. As AI technologies become more integrated into public and private services, libraries are uniquely positioned to help patrons navigate both the opportunities and risks associated with these tools.
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — in our phones, in the news, and increasingly in the conversations we’re having about our future. As a library worker and community member, I believe it’s crucial for all of us to understand what AI is (and isn’t), how it works, and how it impacts our daily lives.
Let’s Talk About AI: Join the Conversation at Timberland Regional Library
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just the stuff of science fiction. It’s rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives. From smart assistants to personalized recommendations, AI touches many aspects of how we communicate, work, and learn. But what does AI really mean for our community, our creativity, and our future?
Timberland Regional Library invites you to explore these questions and more at our upcoming community workshop, Let’s Talk About AI, on Saturday, July 19 at the Lacey Library. This special event aims to demystify AI, discuss its impacts (both positive and negative), and explore how it can empower individuals and communities in the digital age.
What to Expect at Let’s Talk About AI
TRL’s workshop brings together diverse voices to offer a holistic view of AI’s role in society:
- Julie Blonshteyn, Public Services Specialist at TRL, will share firsthand experiences of how AI can enhance creativity, learning, and community connection within a library setting. My story illustrates how AI tools like ChatGPT can be a powerful resource for both library staff and patrons.
- Dr. Julie Carpenter, a social scientist and human-robot interaction expert, will provide research-based insights into the ethical, psychological, and societal dimensions of AI. Her perspective helps us understand how emerging AI technologies affect human behavior, trust, and social structures.
- Kathleen Sullivan, Open Data Librarian and Privacy Technologist at the Washington State Library, offers expertise on data transparency, privacy rights, and equitable information access. Her balanced approach ensures the conversation addresses both the promise and the challenges of AI.
Together, we’ll explore what AI is capable of, where the technology is heading, and how we can engage with these tools thoughtfully and responsibly. This isn’t about mastering complex technology overnight. It’s about gaining a clear understanding of the basics, so we can ask meaningful questions, make informed decisions, and actively shape how AI impacts our community. Beyond listening to expert presentations, attendees will engage in interactive activities that promote dialogue and reflection:
- Post-it wall for community ideas and concerns: Everyone can contribute questions, hopes, and worries about AI.
- Fishbowl discussion: An inclusive format where audience members take turns joining the conversation, with the option to submit questions anonymously so everyone can share comfortably.
- Panel Q&A: A chance to ask questions directly to the experts and learn from shared experiences.
This format aligns with best practices shared by leading library organizations, which highlight the importance of active community participation in technology discussions to build trust and relevance.
This event isn’t about simple answers, it’s an invitation to bring your questions, concerns, and curiosity. Through interactive activities like community idea boards and a fishbowl discussion, you’ll engage directly with experts and neighbors to shape our understanding of AI together.
Further Reading and Viewing
AI is everywhere, but what’s real, what’s hype, and what does it mean for us? From critical deep dives to practical guides and thought-provoking documentaries, explore how AI intersects with politics, ethics, the environment, and our everyday lives in this curated list.
AI is everywhere — but what’s real, what’s hype, and what does it mean for us? From critical deep-dives to practical guides and thought-provoking documentaries, explore how AI intersects with politics, ethics, the environment, and our everyday lives.
