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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Let's chat, not just chatbot
iStock Let the chatbot write your emails if it must. But don't let it take over your chai break rant or your unplanned, meandering chats that lead nowhere and yet leave you feeling more alive. My 32-year-old cousin recently met a girl through a matrimonial website. Just ten minutes into their conversation, she looked at him and said bluntly, 'Can you at least be more interesting than ChatGPT?' He was completely taken we say someone is interesting to talk to, we probably mean they are well read, have a good sense of humour and have gone through a wide variety of experiences in life. Today's chatbots like ChatGPT are definitely more well-read than all of us put together. They can also tell half funny jokes, which probably makes them better than ninety percent of the human population. That leaves us humans with just one area where we can claim superiority, the richness of lived experiences. But even that seems to be fading with people increasingly choosing safe and controlled environments. Last Sunday I was catching up with my college friends and as always, we ended up repeating the same old stories from our campus days or the years right after. It struck me that we rarely have anything new to add. The reason is simple. We have not really created too many new experiences worth talking about. On the other hand, an AI chatbot has access to an endless library of interesting and funny incidents from the lives of people across the world. So, in terms of sheer variety and novelty in conversation, we are already falling behind. This is especially true for those of us living in cities who are always short of time and energy to meet people in person. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently mentioned that people are increasingly using ChatGPT for major life decisions such as career planning and even therapy. Before we end up completely surrendering to AI chatbots and start developing emotional relationships with them like the character Theodore did with the chatbot Samantha in the film, Her, we must pause and relearn the lost art of real human conversation. We must also make an effort to rediscover what makes us genuinely interesting as individuals. Interesting conversations are not always meant to be serious. In fact, they are not meant to be anything in particular. There is a certain playfulness and randomness about them. They are not supposed to have a clear goal or outcome. They can be about anything and everything like a rant with a colleague, a nostalgic flashback to hostel life, a 3 AM chat about the meaning of life or even some mindless gossip. In Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari says, 'Gossip may seem like a bad habit, but it is essential for cooperation in large groups.' Conversations are the lubricant on which human sanity operates. Good conversations come more from the heart than the head. Sometimes they end with laughter, sometimes with a sigh of relief and sometimes they bring clarity. And sometimes they just make us feel less alone in our confusion about life decisions. They are not packaged like a motivational LinkedIn post or curated like a vacation reel on Instagram. They are simple, imperfect and is an old saying that in a conversation one must either be interesting or be interested. These days, when we try to talk to someone, they are already half distracted. And even if they are not, most of us hardly have anything interesting to say. After all, the most entertaining content seems to be happening on Instagram or LinkedIn. Competing with the algorithm is a lost cause. You will lose every there is one thing we can still do. We can stop being too safe all the time. We are slowly losing our spontaneity and emotional depth because of the fear of being judged or cancelled. The cancel culture has convinced many of us that it is not worth the trouble to be our natural selves, especially if being natural means saying one or two slightly inappropriate things without any bad intent. This fear has made us shrink into smaller versions of ourselves, constantly apologetic and hesitant under the weight of guilt and judgement that comes from conversations do not need to be politically correct. We are civilised beings, yes, but we are also instinctive and emotional creatures. We cannot keep suppressing every impulse or force ourselves to speak in a polished and filtered way like a large language model. Our speech should not be edited at every step between the heart and the mouth. We cannot always speak the obvious. We need to bring back our rawness and theory of evolution tells us that the incredible variety of life we see today came from errors in genetic copying. If nature had a perfect system of reproducing genes without any deviation, we might still be single celled organisms floating around in the ocean. In the same way, if we always try to say the right things, we will end up behaving like machines. Our ability to feel deeply, to err, to be vulnerable is what makes us distinct humans and that might just be our one true strength in a future where AI does everything else people I encounter, always tend to say the right thing. But after a while, they start sounding like a chatbot, predictable and too perfect. They hide the real parts of themselves, especially the vulnerable side that makes us human. On social media, this becomes even worse, where one slice of a person's personality is projected as the whole no matter how individualistic the world becomes, we are all connected by one simple truth, that is the human condition of suffering. As Buddha said, it is the most basic truth of human life. An AI can give advice from books, but it cannot feel pain. And without that, it can never truly understand we keep outsourcing our thinking, our feeling and even our small talk to a chatbot, then soon the only raw, unfiltered conversation we will have left is the one we mumble in the shower. Let the chatbot write your emails if it must. But don't let it take over your chai break rant or your unplanned, meandering chats that lead nowhere and yet leave you feeling more alive. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Can this cola maker get back bubble valuation pricked by Ambani? Darkness at noon: Can this reform succeed after failing four times? Zepto has slowed, and Aadit Palicha needs more than a big fund raise to fix it Why Sebi must give up veto power over market infra institutions Stock Radar: SBI stock breaks out from Symmetrical Triangle pattern; what should investors do with this Sensex stock? These mid-cap stocks with 'Strong Buy' & 'Buy' recos can rally over 25%, according to analysts Multibagger or IBC - Part 13: This auto ancillary helps power Chandrayaan-3 and makes the 'glue' that holds cars together Buy, sell or hold: Antique maintains a hold on JSW Steel; Nuvama sees over 15% upside in Apollo Hospitals
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Beyond the classroom: 5 books that make general knowledge fun for students
Sometimes, studying feels like a task you just want to get over with—pages of notes, long chapters, and facts that are hard to remember. But learning new things doesn't always have to be boring or stressful. In fact, it can be fun, exciting, and even addictive if you're reading the right kind of book. Some books are so well-written and interesting that you don't even realise how much you're learning while reading them. They spark your curiosity, make you think, and fill your mind with fascinating facts without making it feel like school. If you're looking to boost your general knowledge in a fun, easygoing way, here are five books that can help you do just that. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson This is a book for the curious. Bill Bryson takes complex scientific topics—like how the Earth formed, what atoms are, and how humans evolved—and explains them in a simple, often funny way. Even if you're not a science lover, you'll be drawn in by his storytelling. You'll learn about the universe, the Earth, and life itself, all while being entertained by quirky facts and interesting people from science history. Factfulness by Hans Rosling If you think the world is getting worse every day, this book might surprise you. Hans Rosling explains how the world has actually improved in many ways—less poverty, better health, more education—and why most people don't realise it. With simple language, clear charts, and real-world stories, Factfulness helps you see the bigger picture and understand global trends better. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It also teaches you how to think more clearly and avoid common misconceptions. The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay This book is perfect for students who are always asking, 'How does that work?' From airplanes and computers to zippers and refrigerators, this book explains the mechanics behind everyday objects. What makes it really special are the detailed drawings and clear explanations. Even complicated machines become easy to understand. Whether you're into engineering or just curious about the world, this book will open your eyes to the hidden science around you. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari This book takes you on an incredible journey through the history of our species, from the earliest humans to the modern world. Harari explains how humans evolved, created societies, invented languages, and shaped the planet—all in a way that's easy to understand and super engaging. It's packed with fascinating stories that make you think about who we are and how we got here. It's like a history and science class rolled into one, but without the boring parts. Plus, it helps you understand the world and your place in it. Thing Explainer by Randall Munroe Imagine trying to explain a rocket ship using only the 1,000 most common words in English. That's what Randall Munroe does in this clever book. With simple explanations and cartoon-style diagrams, he breaks down big ideas—like computers, the solar system, and the human body—into easy-to-understand language. It's not only fun to read, but it also shows how simple words can explain even the most complex systems. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Why story time is important for a child's social development
Have you wondered why we all like a good story? Why we are drawn to water-cooler gossip and locker room chit chat? And why, some of our most loved memories are centred on storytime with mum and dad? Evolutionary science has finally figured out why Homo sapiens trumped all other life forms on this planet. Historian Yuval Noah Harari, in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, tells us that the ability of humans to think as a group bestowed on them the capacity to multiply their efforts towards a particular task and to succeed where no individual man or a group of animals could. So powerful was this attribute that it gave birth to the concept of tribes, professions, kingdoms, nations, religions and 'isms' (ideologies). It was stories that led to the establishment of pernicious practices such as slavery and colonialism, and different narratives that put an end to them. Understanding narratives Human evolution is fantastically reflected in the development of each child. At birth, a child is a mere spectator as the world swirls around it. The ability to interact, to communicate, to understand symbols and language is the gatekeeper of every child's foray into the meaningful and purposeful world around us and one that allows the child to be a meaningful participant. The stories that a child hears — or sees — help him or her develop an understanding of the world. This understanding shapes their behaviour. The way the world responds to these actions give rise to prejudices and attitudes. When these experiences are significant, they are stored as memories. A child's response to every situation it faces is, then, a culmination of its memories, beliefs, and attitudes. The first story a child hears is perhaps, 'Daddy will be home soon!', and this establishes the concept of time. Other common examples of how stories are developed include when a child is told: 'If you are a good baby (meaning if you do this particular thing), daddy will give you a hug or a treat or a toy!' This establishes delayed gratification rules. 'If you let mamma finish her chores, you will get a good meal!' This teaches delayed gratification. 'Here is a cat; a cat says meow!' The personification of toys is nothing but storytelling, and the ability to believe the story is the basis for learning. Stories trigger imagination, which gives the child ability to believe in things, incidents, people he has and will perhaps never meet in real life. Stories are not just a form of entertainment; they are essential for cognitive, emotional, and social development. Neuroscience confirms that storytelling stimulates multiple regions of the brain, forming neural pathways crucial for language, comprehension, and imagination. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As a developmental behavioural paediatrician, I have seen first hand how narratives engage young minds, fostering creativity and emotional intelligence. The New Horizons Theory of Social Engagement for Autism emphasises the role of structured interactions in child development. Storytelling is one of the most natural and effective ways to encourage engagement, social bonding, and emotional regulation in children. How stories shape the developing brain Research shows that listening to and telling stories activate brain areas linked to language processing, sensory experiences, and empathy. A 2018 study in the Journal of Neuroscience found that hearing a well-told story synchronises brain activity between the storyteller and listener, fostering a shared emotional and cognitive experience. The science behind 'once upon a time' Brain scans reveal that when children listen to a well-structured story, not only do the language centres of the brain light up, the sensory cortex does too. If the story describes a sweet aroma, for instance, the brain's olfactory regions activate. This immersive effect is why children 'feel' stories and develop a deep emotional connection with them. In classrooms and at home, interactive storytelling — where children participate by predicting endings, asking questions, or acting out characters — significantly boosts engagement and social reciprocity. Stories are more than words; they shape the brain, connect people, and foster lifelong learning. Parents, educators, and caregivers should integrate storytelling into daily routines — not just for entertainment, but as a tool to enrich a child's social, emotional and linguistic development.
Korea Herald
25-03-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
AI plans emerge as central theme in South Korean politics
How to respond to the age of artificial intelligence has become a key talking point in South Korean politics, with potential presidential frontrunners presenting plans for addressing anxiety associated with AI. Han Dong-hoon, the former chair of the People Power Party, held a talk at a hotel in Seoul on Monday and said the changes brought on by the looming AI avalanche would be as sweeping as the industrial revolution was in the 19th century. "We are the generation that will live through a time of great transformation. Experts say the new AI era will arrive in three to five years, which is a critical time for South Korea to begin investing in AI development," Han told reporters. "If the industrial revolution was about overcoming the physical strength of men, the AI revolution would be about overcoming the limits in our intelligence." Han said the US and China were already engaged in a battle over AI. "The US has imposed controls on exporting Nvidia chips to China. AI technologies may soon become as valuable as strategic assets," he said. "South Korea needs to start investing in AI now." Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's chair, met with Yuval Noah Harari, the Israeli author of the book "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," on Saturday, and called for redistributing wealth accumulated by technology giants to tackle the income inequality that AI dominance was likely to bring. "The other day, I suggested that the government acquire stakes in AI companies and get involved in the business, and I was attacked as a communist," the Democratic Party chair said. Lee said the prospect of a few companies "dominating the industry and monopolizing wealth, and in turn exacerbating inequality" was a "very real concern." "In the end, a worse world will be created. How we can overcome this AI-driven inequality and polarization is going to be a main challenge," he said. He proposed investing in tech companies using state funds, and redistributing the profits as a possible solution. Lee Kyoung-jun, a professor of big data analytics at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, told The Korea Herald that leaders should be coming up with policy solutions to support AI development rather than limiting themselves to election rhetoric. "AI has to be more than just a cool buzzword. The interest in AI from our political leaders is certainly a good thing. But that interest has to turn into substantive policies," he said.
