Week 6: BALT 4362 - Disturbing AI Usage

Disturbing AI Usage

On this week’s discussion, I went on https://www.toolify.ai/ - a website with a variety of AI tools designed to make work easier across different industries. As I explored the site, I was amazed at how quickly AI is becoming a part of our daily tasks. The tools on Toolify.ai can help automate simple jobs and even assist with decision-making, making work more efficient and allowing people to focus on more important tasks.

However, when I decided to check out the “Most Used” section, I was quite disturbed by what I found, which is what I want to focus on in this blog post.

The most popular tools include: ChatGPT, OpenAI, and Sora.

But as I scrolled down, I was disturbed to see the amount of NSFW AI tools...

These tools, designed to create or manipulate adult content, are increasingly making their way into mainstream platforms. It was unsettling to see how easily they are accessible, and it made me question the ethical implications of such tools becoming widely used. While AI has the potential to improve our lives in countless ways, this darker side raises serious concerns about privacy, consent, and how far we should allow technology to go.

It's not only disturbing to see this, but it also brings up many concerns I have. It’s honestly really sad that there is such vast popularity in using this.

I tried to find other articles discussing this ethics and implications of this issue, but to my surprise, it's already heavily normalized within the millions of users, and the darker side seems to be overshadowed.

To show how serious the issues with NSFW AI can be, let’s look at a few real-world examples. 

1. SoulGen AI Legal Troubles
   SoulGen AI, a popular tool for creating deepfakes, got into legal trouble because it was used to make explicit content without consent. This case really highlights how important it is to get permission before using AI for adult content, and the legal risks that come with it.

2. DeepNude App Shutdown
   The DeepNude app, which used AI to turn clothed photos into nude images, was shut down after people became outraged, and the app creators faced legal issues. This case shows what can happen when AI tools are misused.

3. Other Notable Cases
   In 2023, a disturbing trend started where high school students used deepfake tools to create fake nude images of their classmates. Some of these students were as young as 14. While the perpetrators faced some consequences, the damage was already done to the victims.
   There was also a major issue with deepfake porn using celebrity likenesses, like those of Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson. These unauthorized, explicit images spread quickly online, and the celebrities took legal action. This highlighted how laws aren’t really prepared for this kind of technology.

Legal Precedents
Though laws around NSFW AI are still catching up, a few important things are becoming clear:

• Privacy Violation: Creating explicit content involving someone without their consent is considered a serious violation of privacy, and it can lead to heavy penalties.
• Copyright Issues: If AI generates content that copies someone else’s work without permission, it can lead to legal trouble and financial consequences.

These examples show how complicated things can get when AI is used in harmful ways. The laws are still trying to figure out how to handle these new challenges, but it’s clear that more rules and protections are needed.

The reason I’m so concerned about this is not just because it’s disgusting, but also because of the psychological harm it could have on the younger generation. America is already facing a dating crisis, and tools like these could make it even worse. Rates of loneliness are rising, especially among younger people, as many find it harder to form meaningful connections. The impact of technology, such as dating apps, has created a paradox of choice, making it difficult for people to commit to real, lasting relationships. On top of that, the overexposure to unrealistic depictions of intimacy—like those created by NSFW AI tools—distorts understanding of healthy relationships and consent. This kind of content feeds into the already prevalent issues of low self-esteem, mental health struggles, and confusion around what genuine intimacy looks like.

The concern goes even deeper than that. These AI tools are also alarmingly accessible to minors, which poses serious risks. The ability for young people to encounter this content could further distort their views on intimacy and relationships, making them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Even worse, these tools could be exploited by individuals with malicious intentions, such as pedophiles, who may use AI to create harmful content involving minors. This is an issue that could have serious legal, moral, and psychological consequences.

Week 5: BALT 4362 - AI Assistant

 

What Exactly Is an AI Assistant?

An AI assistant (also called a virtual or digital assistant) is a software program that uses smart tech like natural language processing to understand your words and respond in a conversational way. Whether it’s scheduling your appointments, controlling your smart devices, or even helping with homework, AI assistants are all about making technology work for you.

With tools like ChatGPT leading the charge, AI assistants are becoming more advanced, helping with tasks like managing finances, planning travel, or even writing content.

Popular AI Assistants You’ve Probably Heard Of

Here are a few well-known ones:

• Siri: The OG assistant from Apple, it’s voice-activated (“Hey, Siri”) and can do everything from sending texts to giving directions.
• Google Assistant: Found on Android devices, it handles tasks like setting alarms, answering questions, and controlling your smart home.
• Alexa: Amazon’s go-to assistant, great for playing music, ordering items, and running your smart home.

Even Travel and Finances?

Yep, AI assistants can also plan trips and keep your wallet happy:

• Ava and Abhi suggest itineraries based on your preferences.
• Cleo helps track spending with a fun, personal touch (and even roasts you if you overspend!).

Why AI Assistants Matter

AI assistants save time, boost productivity, and simplify your daily life. They’re like a personal helper, minus the paycheck. Whether you’re looking to stay organized, get creative, or simply have an easier day, there’s an AI assistant out there ready to help.

My Personal Experience

I first started using ChatGPT for small, practical things: brainstorming blog topics, clarifying tricky concepts, and even crafting email drafts. It quickly became my go-to helper for tasks that felt overwhelming or repetitive. Instead of staring at a blank screen wondering how to start an essay, I’d ask ChatGPT for a jumping-off point.

One of my favorite moments was when I had to throw together a last-minute itinerary for a weekend trip. ChatGPT not only helped me plan but also found quirky attractions I wouldn’t have thought to search for myself. It felt like brainstorming with a friend who’s always brimming with ideas.

Taking Things to the Next Level: Building a Chatbot

After seeing how useful ChatGPT was, I thought, Why not create something similar tailored to my needs? I dove into experimenting with chatbot development. My goal? To create a bot that could answer FAQs about a personal project I was working on.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Customization Is Key: You can tweak ChatGPT to match a certain tone or focus, so it feels less generic and more “you.”
2. The Process Is Simple, But the Details Matter: Building a chatbot involved crafting scenarios and testing responses. It was fun to teach the bot how to handle different questions and watch it “learn” through fine-tuning.
3. It’s Surprisingly Satisfying: Seeing a chatbot in action—especially one you’ve programmed—is like watching your creativity come alive.

Week 4: BALT 4362 - AI Hallucination

 Overcoming AI Hallucination

AI has become a game-changer in many industries, from customer service to content creation. But one of the biggest challenges businesses face when adopting AI is hallucination—when AI generates incorrect or fabricated information. This can be a serious problem, especially when businesses rely on AI to answer customer questions or generate reliable content.

Luckily, platforms like Chatbase and CustomGPT.ai are stepping in to help. These tools allow businesses to create custom chatbots designed to minimize hallucination and provide more accurate, reliable responses. In this post, we'll explore how these platforms work and how they can help businesses overcome one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption.

What is AI Hallucination?

AI hallucination occurs when an artificial intelligence model generates information that is completely made up or factually incorrect. This is often a result of training data that’s too broad, unverified, or simply not tailored to specific business needs. For example, an AI chatbot might respond with a customer service answer that sounds good but is totally wrong, causing confusion and frustration for customers.

This issue is a big barrier for companies looking to adopt AI solutions, especially in customer service, where accuracy and trust are paramount.

How Chatbase and CustomGPT.ai Solve the Problem

Chatbase and CustomGPT.ai offer businesses the chance to build custom AI chatbots that are fine-tuned to the company's specific data, leading to more accurate and reliable results.

Chatbase: A Customized Approach to AI

Chatbase allows businesses to create personalized chatbots by uploading their own data and training the AI to respond based on this information. By tailoring the AI to your business's needs, Chatbase reduces the chances of hallucination, since the AI pulls from a much more relevant and specific knowledge base.

One of the best things about Chatbase is that it offers a free mode, so businesses can test out their custom chatbot and see how well it works with their data. This makes it an ideal platform for companies that want to experiment with AI without fully committing upfront.

CustomGPT.ai: Fine-Tuned Accuracy

CustomGPT.ai takes things a step further by allowing businesses to create a more focused version of GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) tailored specifically to their own needs. Businesses can curate the data the bot is trained on, ensuring that it draws from reliable, relevant sources only. This makes it less likely for the AI to generate incorrect or irrelevant responses, which is a common issue when using more generic AI models.

With CustomGPT.ai, companies can create chatbots that provide accurate, on-brand responses, making it perfect for customer service teams who need to ensure their AI assistants are consistently helpful and trustworthy.

The Future of AI: More Accurate, Less Risky

The introduction of platforms like Chatbase and CustomGPT.ai marks an important shift in how businesses can use AI effectively. By providing customizable options that focus on accuracy and relevance, these platforms help eliminate one of the biggest obstacles to AI adoption: hallucination. This means companies can deploy AI solutions that are not only efficient but also reliable.

If you’re curious about how to take advantage of these tools, Chatbase offers a free mode that lets you test out creating a custom chatbot. It’s an excellent way to see if a personalized approach works for your business. Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn if you'd like more details or want to discuss how these tools can fit into your customer service strategy.

In the end, reducing AI hallucination can lead to a more trustworthy customer service experience and make AI adoption a lot less risky for businesses. It’s time to embrace a future where AI works smarter and more accurately for everyone involved.

Week 4: BALT 4362 - Automation and the Workforce

Automation and the Workforce

In Chapters 7 and 8, the book dives deeper into the impact of automation on the workforce. These chapters cover how automation is reshaping jobs, skills, and the way businesses operate, offering insight into both the challenges and opportunities presented by these technological advancements.

Chapter 7: The Rise of New Skills and Jobs

Chapter 7 discusses how automation is not just eliminating jobs but also creating new ones. While it's true that some roles are being replaced by machines, there’s a growing need for workers who can develop, maintain, and improve these technologies. Fields like AI development, cybersecurity, and robotics are expanding, and these areas require specialized skills.

It emphasizes the importance of upskilling, meaning learning new skills that are in demand. For example, workers who were once performing manual tasks can transition into roles that involve data analysis, programming, or managing automated systems. This shift isn’t just about learning to work with machines; it’s about learning to think critically and creatively in ways that automation can’t replicate.

Chapter 8: The Future of Work – Adapt or Fall Behind

Chapter 8 takes a more forward-looking approach, warning that workers and businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. As automation continues to evolve, it’s not just about getting by—it’s about thriving in a new, more technologically advanced world. The chapter argues that businesses need to invest in training programs to help employees stay competitive.

It also stresses the need for a mindset shift. Employees will need to adopt a growth mindset, focusing on continuous learning and adaptation. For businesses, this means fostering an environment where innovation and skill development are prioritized. The chapter concludes that those who embrace change will have the edge in the future job market.

Final Thoughts

Chapters 7 and 8 highlight the importance of preparing for the future by upskilling and adapting to the rise of automation. While some jobs may disappear, many more will emerge, but only for those who are ready to take on new challenges. By investing in learning and staying adaptable, workers and businesses alike can ensure they thrive in an increasingly automated world.

Week 3 - BALT 4396: How to Identify and Implement ChatGPT and RPA for Smarter Office Automation

In this post, I’ll cover some key points from Chapters 5 and 6 in our reading, about automating tasks in the workplace with ChatGPT and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Chapter 5 focuses on how to identify tasks that are good candidates for automation. To do this, it's important to look at tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, or prone to errors. Asking employees for feedback is a great way to find out which tasks they find tedious. 

Data analysis and process mapping can also help spot areas where automation could save time and improve efficiency. Once you have a list of tasks to automate, you should prioritize them by looking at the return on investment (ROI), how much they can improve employee productivity, and their potential to scale across departments. 

It’s also important to think about the risks involved, such as possible disruptions or cybersecurity issues. When implementing automation, start by clearly defining your goals, choosing the right tools, creating a plan, and making sure your team is trained. Afterward, test the system, monitor its performance, and make updates as needed.

Chapter 6 talks about the best practices for successfully using ChatGPT and RPA in the workplace. First, it’s important to make sure that automation aligns with your business goals and provides real value. Security is another critical factor, so it’s essential to protect sensitive data and follow regulations like GDPR. 

A clear implementation plan is key to avoiding disruptions. Collaboration between IT and business teams ensures a smooth transition, and investing in employee training will help everyone adapt to the new technology. The chapter also provides real-world examples of companies that have used ChatGPT and RPA to improve their processes. For example, a telecommunications company used a chatbot powered by ChatGPT and RPA to automate billing, which saved time and improved customer service. 

A financial institution improved HR tasks like recruitment and onboarding using these technologies, which helped employees be more efficient and satisfied. Finally, a manufacturing company used ChatGPT and RPA to optimize their supply chain, cutting costs and making better decisions

In conclusion, automating tasks with ChatGPT and RPA isn't just about making work easier – it’s about making work smarter! Imagine freeing up your time from tedious tasks and instead focusing on the projects that really excite you. By following the steps outlined in these chapters, companies can unlock a whole new level of productivity and creativity. So, whether you're automating customer service or streamlining your supply chain, the future of work is looking pretty awesome. Time to embrace the robots – they’re here to help, not take over!

Week 3: Let's make a bot

ntroducing the Benedictine Course Catalog Bot: Simplifying Course Information for Students

As a student at Benedictine University, I recently took on an exciting project to create a chatbot that helps answer common questions about the courses offered in our graduate programs. Using Chatbase and the Benedictine course catalog as my data source, I designed this bot to provide students with quick and easy access to course information, especially for those exploring the university’s programs or planning their schedules.

The Purpose Behind the Bot

Course selection can be a challenging process, and finding the right classes with specific course codes, prerequisites, and program requirements often requires sifting through the catalog. I wanted to create a bot that would streamline this process, making it easier for students to access relevant information directly and without having to scroll through a lengthy catalog.

How I Built It

To build the bot, I used an older version of the Benedictine course catalog, focusing on biology classes available in the graduate programs. Given the character limitations in Chatbase, I had to condense some course descriptions and categorize the information effectively to ensure responses were clear and concise. The bot can handle queries like:

• "What biology classes are offered?"
• "Tell me about the Molecular Biology course."
• "Are there any core courses for biology majors?"

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges was managing the character limit within Chatbase. To overcome this, I shortened course descriptions and grouped similar courses into categories (like Core Courses or Electives) to make information retrieval quicker and more organized. This optimization not only made the bot more efficient but also ensured it could answer questions accurately without overwhelming users with too much detail.

Why This Bot Is Useful

The Benedictine Course Catalog Bot allows students to find information about classes in seconds. Whether they’re looking for core biology courses, lab options, or course codes, this bot provides a quick overview tailored to each question. For prospective students, it’s an easy way to explore what Benedictine’s biology programs have to offer, and for current students, it’s a practical tool for planning their academic journey.

Future Potential and Applications

This project opened my eyes to the possibilities of chatbot applications in academic settings. I can imagine future versions that support even more programs, or even a bot that handles study abroad queries or scholarship information. Building this bot has shown me how AI can make educational resources more accessible and improve the student experience. Plus, learning about the technical aspects of Chatbase, from data limitations to structuring responses, has been incredibly rewarding.

Try It Out!

If you're a student at Benedictine, feel free to give the bot a try and ask it questions about biology courses. It’s still a work in progress, and I’d love feedback to keep refining it. This bot demonstrates just how useful AI can be in education, and I’m excited to see where this project goes next!