The Misplaced Fear of AI: A Candid Exploration of Coding Challenges

In recent days, I’ve embarked on a rather unexpected journey into the realm of artificial intelligence, finding myself at the mercy of two well-known platforms: ChatGPT and CLAUDE. What began as an innocent exploration to create some graphics for my Substack quickly turned into an epic saga that I feel compelled to share.

Initially, I thought about sticking to the tried-and-true PowerPoint for my project. However, fueled by a mix of curiosity and ambition, I decided to leverage the capabilities of these AI systems to see if they could transform my vision into a polished set of graphics. After all, what harm could come from a little experimentation?

As I partnered with Claude on this adventure, my optimism quickly transformed into frustration. What I imagined would be a swift, efficient process turned into a relentless game of whack-a-mole. Each time we resolved one issue, several new challenges erupted. I won’t delve into the specifics, but let’s just say that “chaotic disaster” could serve as a fitting descriptor for the experience. After several days of grappling with uncooperative AI outputs and reworking designs, I finally opted to take the traditional route. In a little over three hours, I crafted a PowerPoint presentation that not only met my expectations but did so without the added headaches.

This experience has led me to a significant realization: current AI systems can often resemble inexperienced coders on their very first task. While there are glimpses of potential for improvement through methodologies like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), the truth remains that these AI tools are not yet ready to fully grasp complex coding requirements without a significant human touch.

The burgeoning concerns surrounding AI’s capabilities are often overstated. While it’s crucial to approach technology with a critical eye, it’s equally important to recognize when fear is amplified by sensational narratives or self-serving agendas. Instead of worrying about a future ruled by AI, perhaps it’s best to take a step back—pour yourself a glass of scotch, unwind, and remember that the reality is far less dramatic than some would have you believe.