Work Fingerprints: The Human Touch in an AI World

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

A few days ago, I read the work being done towards creating a standard for Canada called the “Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems.” Among other things, the proposed framework highlights how: 

"We must speak up to make sure AI addresses the voices of those on the edges, for whom the “typical” will never work. Without intervention, we risk AI creating a kind of amplified, fractal echo-chamber, advancing homogenization and being capable of enacting more discrimination at a faster rate." 

And then, over on LinkedIn, Michelle Ockers, shared a reflection on her use of genAI. She acknowledged how it can help her be more efficient, but shared her concern about feeling guilty about using it, especially when others claim they've created something without the help of AI.  

I’ve been pondering similar concerns about AI and the human-AI loop. It is inevitable that we will all increasingly use more of AI and in many different ways. But doing so rapidly, and in the absence of specific and usable frameworks, standards, laws, and protection, is concerning. In many ways, we have to embrace how it is becoming an extension of our own skills. That's perhaps why I prefer calling it Augmented Intelligence rather than Artificial Intelligence. 

Personally, when using AI to support my work, I am hyper aware about how AI can favour/ compute/ recommend the "default" or the "standard" and potentially overshadow my individual perspective. For me, AI is a tool, not the product. So, I consciously and intently use and infuse my voice into my work - the voice that is shaped by my unique human experiences. 

I call it my "work fingerprint" and people who work with me look for it, recognize it, and value it. 

My work fingerprint is made of everything that I am made of - my experiences, perspectives, ideas, insights, creativity, lessons learned, fears, and concerns but also all other aspects of intersectionality that I bring to the table including my nature, nurture, education, background, ethnicity, family, friends, immigration journey and community service. 

I'd like to believe that my work fingerprint is unique to me or at least is distinctive enough that it reflects a certain way of thinking, problem-solving and decision-making. So, I want to do everything to preserve it and nurture it - now more than ever - and especially while augmenting my intelligence with AI tools. I want to retain and preserve the human touch in an AI world.