SITS Hot Topic Workshop: Human Intelligence (HI) or Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Where Should the Focus Be?

At the SITS 23 we had an opportunity to host a workshop around the burning topic “Human Intelligence (HI) or Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Where Should the Focus Be?” With great and active participation we ran very interesting roundtable conversations with participants from multiple organizations.   

Human Intelligence (HI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's world

In today's rapidly evolving world, the topic of intelligence has become increasingly prominent. As technology continues to advance, the debate between Human Intelligence (HI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) gains traction. Both HI and AI possess unique strengths and capabilities, but determining where our focus should lie is a crucial question.  

The strength of Human Intelligence is that it encompasses a broad range of capabilities, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability. HI allows us to make complex decisions, understand nuances, and exercise moral judgment. It enables us to learn from experiences, interact with others, and perceive the world around us through our senses. 

Whereas Artificial Intelligence refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI is built upon algorithms and machine learning techniques that enable computers to process vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions or decisions. AI systems can analyze information at speeds far surpassing human capabilities and are particularly adept at handling repetitive and data-driven tasks. Allowing us to focus on issues that matter to us the most. 

At the Hot Topic Workshop, we established that AI has truly found its way into our lives, it is everywhere  - sometimes hard to distinguish the difference between them. 

HI and AI: Embracing the balance

Rather than viewing HI and AI as opposing forces, it is crucial to recognize their complementary nature. Combining the unique strengths of both can lead to remarkable outcomes. Instead of focusing solely on one intelligence over the other, our attention should be directed toward finding ways to harness the synergies between human and artificial intelligence. By leveraging AI to augment human capabilities, we can enhance productivity, solve complex problems more efficiently, and explore new frontiers of knowledge. 

Humans often prefer to correct rather than create. Let’s take an example of knowledge records: humans rather correct them than actually write. Why not let AI create the framework and humans correct and adjust them? 

Using Efecte’s Virtual Coach as an example: Virtual Coach has been created to assist the agents at their work, to recognize the existing data, and to apply it to a situation at hand. Efecte’s GPT-powered Chat is a perfect feature to complement this process. It will still need Human Intelligence to critically filter and apply the data correctly.   

In a world where AI is increasingly prevalent, focusing on the development of human skills becomes vital. We need process maturity to enable AI to be effective - for this, HI is needed.  

In the ongoing discussion of Human Intelligence (HI) versus Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is essential to recognize the strengths and advantages of both. Rather than viewing them as competing entities, we should focus on leveraging the power of AI to augment human intelligence. By combining the distinct capabilities of HI and AI, we can achieve remarkable progress across various domains while ensuring that human skills and values remain at the forefront. Embracing a harmonious collaboration between humans and machines holds the potential to unlock new levels of innovation and tackle the challenges of our ever-changing world.  

You can use this blog post as an example of the perfect collaboration and harmony of the two, as AI was used in creating this and HI in perfecting it.