> When cloud computing was a new, cool buzzword thrown around that no one understood, a shortcut was suggested whether it is the right solution:
> In any sentence, replace “in the cloud” with “on another person’s computer”.
That substitution works because it's both accurate and usefully specific.
> I propose to replace it with “using computers”: “Enhance your start-up with computers”, “Using computers helps prepare lawsuit”, “Computer-written lawsuit contains mistakes”, “Fighting wildfires with the help of computers”, “Get data insights with computers”.
That substitution doesn't work because in part because "using computers" is too general to be enlightening, and because the substitution hides, rather than reveals, the essential part of the issue. Generative AI isn't just "using computers". It's a beast of a different color, and that difference is where the debate lies.
"on another person's computer" is useful because it highlights a core important point. "using computers" is not useful because it obscures the important points and substitutes a banal one.
basilikum•42m ago
"Computer oracle controlled or biased by someone else" would be more fitting
JohnFen•43m ago
> In any sentence, replace “in the cloud” with “on another person’s computer”.
That substitution works because it's both accurate and usefully specific.
> I propose to replace it with “using computers”: “Enhance your start-up with computers”, “Using computers helps prepare lawsuit”, “Computer-written lawsuit contains mistakes”, “Fighting wildfires with the help of computers”, “Get data insights with computers”.
That substitution doesn't work because in part because "using computers" is too general to be enlightening, and because the substitution hides, rather than reveals, the essential part of the issue. Generative AI isn't just "using computers". It's a beast of a different color, and that difference is where the debate lies.
"on another person's computer" is useful because it highlights a core important point. "using computers" is not useful because it obscures the important points and substitutes a banal one.