AI Is Here To Stay – When To Use It & When To Block It
AI is viewed by some as a great and beneficial technical advancement, and by others as a borderline demonic influence. I believe the issues surrounding AI lie somewhere in between. There is also a certain mystery surrounding what it is all about, and what it is capable of doing.
It takes us back to some of the past science fiction movies. Colossus The Forbin Project (1970), a movie about a U.S. defence super computer linking to Soviet AI. Together they conclude the human race is too flawed to survive, forcing the creators to submit to machine rule.
In 1977 Demon Seed depicted an advanced self-aware AI called Proteus to imprison a woman in her automated home, determined to use her body to give birth to a hybrid human machine.
In 1983 Wargames was a movie about a teenage hacker who managed to access the computers in the Pentagon, creating a countdown to nuclear war.
Perhaps one of the more memorable movie was The Terminator in 1984. In this case a defence network called Skynet becomes self-aware, and views humanity as a threat the its existence. It orchestrates a nuclear holocaust and sends out assassins to wipe out human resistance.
Notice in these fictional representations of the evils of AI, a central theme is that the AI element somehow becomes self-aware. In my opinion this is a preposterous theory, because there is no self, so how can it become self aware? Furthermore, all AI is based on data extrapolated mostly from across the Internet.
AI is a very broad collection of information, data, images, algorithms, mathematical compilations, number crunching, etc. Just look at the huge, hot, energy consuming data centres. Is there any self incorporated into those behemoths?
I asked AI if it had the capacity for original creativity, to create associations, and for spontaneous humour.
The answer was no, AI does not have intrinsic creativity, genuine humour, or the ability to create associations. Nor can it draw on lived experiences, or memories covering vast topics. AI can only give the illusion of creativity strictly through mathematical pattern recognition, and statistical probabilities.
AI has no capacity to generate ideas without human prompts. AI does not experience inspiration or intent. Human creativity is based on an internal drive to express beauty, trauma, emotion, and intent.
Once we realize that the cognition, creativity, or human brain replication of AI is a myth, we can begin to view it more objectively using certain aspects for learning, and research, with an awareness of its flaws.
Other than the large energy consumption for cooling the machinery in the data centres, to include the use of fresh water, a major drawback is that AI creates bots scouting the Internet, and does not hesitate to take creative content from web developers, writers and artists.
I know this because I have seen my own photographs, and information taken from my website used by AI in giving answers to questions about certain vintage designers, and textiles. In fact it crops up frequently, and AI even referred me to my own content.
This has given rise to concerns about copyright protection, with some people seeking out ways to challenge the usage of their content in this manner. Apparently it is an uphill battle. However, you can use bot blocking technology on your website if you choose to. I doubt is can prevent the access to websites, unless you are able to incorporate some sophisticated code into every page of your website.
It stands to reason that if the general public has access to your website, AI can also access it.
Since my interest in vintage fashion is as an archivist, to preserve and document historically valuable collections that will never be created again, I don’t mind AI using it for educational and research purposes.
AI has many advantages and benefits. For example if you are shopping for a pair of good walking shoes or sandals, you can compare one brand to another. You can ask AI to compare Birkenstock to Wolky or Finn. You can find out the materials, dimensions, and where things are made.
Recently I was looking for a decent tape gun, because in the old fashioned one I have been using, I tend to put the tape in the wrong way, and then struggle to get the tape off the spindle to fix it. So I finally decided there had to be a better way. Sure enough, there is one called the PROSUN fast reload for $15. It is specifically designed to avoid this problem. Apparently getting the tape in upside down is a common problem. With the PROSUN model, If you load it the wrong way, it is easy to take the tape out and reload it. I will happily donate the other one to the thrift store.
As far as advanced uses for AI, the possibilities are vast when it comes to machine learning, coding, and in-depth research. Many people use ChatGPT for articles, essays and emails. I do not personally use ChatGPT because I do not like external intrusions into my thought processes when I am writing.
In my opinion AI is limited, and is not comparable to human cognition. It does supersede human abilities in certain ways, since we do not have the vast array of data stored in our brains on topics we have no experience with. We also do not know all the products available to us as improvements are made such as my experience with the tape gun.
As a Christian, I do not see AI as a threat to humanity. Like all things it can be misused, or people can delve into the dark side. But overall it is a tool, and whether we like it or not, as long as we are using a computer or smart phones, we are using AI. It is unavoidable.
The bible does tell us in the book of Daniel what to expect. Chapter 12 shares the prophetic end times elements contained in the book of Daniel.
Daniel 12:4
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
If anything, the rise of AI gives us a glimpse into the limitations of man compared to God, the creator of all things, all knowledge, all history, and all of the things to come. Even more incredible is God’s ability to know the minds, hearts and intent of every single one of us. The following verses confirm this:
Psalms 139:1-4
1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
1 Corinthians 3:19-20
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Romans 8:27
Jeremiah 17:10
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Hebrews 4:12
There is nothing man can do to compare with the knowledge and power of God. God knows we use tools to get things done. We cannot put our faith in any tool, or any manmade creation. We do not need to fear AI because we know God is well aware of its existence, and limitations. We do need to exercise caution like we do with any tool we use.
As long as we are steadfast in maintaining our faith in God, and salvation through our belief in Jesus, His birth, His presence here on earth, the sacrifice He made on the cross, His resurrection and eternal life – we are saved.
In summary, I hope AI is a reliable tool without manmade evil intentions behind it, but I certainly don’t put my faith in AI by any stretch (of the imagination).
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2026). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.