My Weekend Encounters with Google’s AI: A Mix of Wonder and Fear

Exploring Google’s AI Model: A Civil Engineer’s Journey into Code

Over the past couple of weekends, I embarked on an intriguing adventure with Google’s latest AI model—one that left me filled with both awe and a hint of trepidation. Allow me to share my experience, as it may inspire others to explore similar territories.

To give you some context, I come from a background in civil engineering, with a focus on design and project management. I decided to apply for a free student license for this new AI tool to see if it was possible for someone with no coding or computer science experience to navigate this technology effectively.

My goal was simple: I wanted to create a small application that could help track my modest-scale projects. Nothing overly complicated—just a few charts and some financial tracking capabilities, along with the ability to monitor project health. While there are existing software solutions that can perform these functions, I was interested in crafting something tailored to my specific needs.

I dedicated around eight hours over the weekend to engaging with the AI, treating it as if I were programming alongside a team of developers. To my surprise, the AI generated a complete code for the application. It guided me on which programs to download and where to insert the code, making the process remarkably user-friendly.

What impressed me the most was the fact that, despite my lack of coding knowledge, I was able to create a functioning program that met my requirements. Although it’s not perfect by any means, it serves its purpose quite well according to my specifications.

On the flip side, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The rapid advancements in AI technology evoke concerns about the potential implications of such models. As these systems continue to evolve, their capabilities are bound to expand, and I find myself wondering what the future holds.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to delve deeper into this journey. In the coming week, I plan to develop additional small-scale applications that can further assist in my projects. The possibilities seem endless, and I encourage anyone with skepticism or curiosity to explore what this technology can offer.

Stay tuned for more insights as I continue to navigate this fascinating intersection of civil engineering and artificial intelligence!