The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents boundless opportunities, but with them come unique challenges. One such challenge is the balance of assertiveness in AI systems. While assertiveness can translate to decision-making confidence in specific sectors, it could also lead to rigidity and lack of adaptability in others.

The Double-Edged Sword of Assertiveness

In high-risk environments like aviation or medical diagnoses, assertive AI can be a blessing. A system that can make swift, confident decisions without being swayed by human doubt can prevent accidents or speed up diagnosis processes. On the other hand, in fields like education or interpersonal relationships, an overly assertive AI might stifle creativity, overshadow human judgment, or even come across as insensitive.

Programming Perspective: Striking the Balance

From a programming standpoint, the challenge lies in how we design and train these systems. Do we prioritize consistency and confidence, or adaptability and feedback?

1. Feedback Mechanisms: One solution is to incorporate robust feedback mechanisms that allow AI systems to learn from their mistakes. Even in sectors where assertiveness is beneficial, there should be a way to “course correct” when the AI gets it wrong.

2. Variable Assertiveness Levels: Another strategy is to design AI systems with variable levels of assertiveness, depending on the context. For instance, an AI personal assistant could be more assertive when setting up an appointment but more flexible when offering movie suggestions.

AI Management Perspective: Training, Testing, and More

When it comes to managing the development and deployment of AI systems, a more holistic view is essential.

1. Iterative Training: AI systems should undergo iterative training phases where real-world feedback refines their decision-making capabilities. This iterative process can help adjust the AI’s level of assertiveness based on the desired outcome.

2. Ethical Considerations: AI assertiveness should also consider ethical implications. For instance, if an AI system is too assertive in criminal justice applications, it might impose certain patterns or biases that could be harmful. Ethical reviews can help catch such pitfalls.

3. User Feedback: End-users are invaluable sources of feedback. Companies should actively seek feedback, especially during the early stages of deployment, to understand how the AI’s assertiveness level is perceived and to make necessary adjustments.

4. Education and Transparency: Educate users about the AI’s design philosophy, including its intended level of assertiveness. When users understand why an AI behaves a certain way, they can use the tool more effectively and provide more insightful feedback.

Balancing the assertiveness of AI is akin to a delicate dance, one that requires both foresight in design and continuous feedback post-deployment. While the allure of an assertive AI that can make unwavering decisions is tempting, it’s essential to remember the diverse array of applications AI has in our world today. As we forge ahead, both programming innovations and comprehensive management strategies will be crucial in harnessing the full potential of AI, ensuring it remains a tool that complements human intuition and expertise rather than overshadowing it.

24/1/1953 - 7/7/2023

There are a few people in our lives who really make a huge difference.  A difference which is defined by the impact that they have on people and the scope and scale of that.  For me, John was one such person.

I first met John in 1987, he was my Year 9 science teacher at Ivanhoe Grammar School. He taught us many things about science. The fundamental basics of physics, chemistry, and biology which provided a groundwork and basis for a lifelong love of science and discovery of things new.

He even taught us about the dreaded human reproduction unit which I'm sure he hugely relished... But I remember particularly one very proud moment when he brought his ultrasound photo of his daughter in to show us all. We were all taken with the wonder and technology that allowed us to see as yet unborn children. Amazing.

John was also an amazing Chemistry teacher and he loved exciting his students and giving them the sense of wonder which he himself had with science. This passion and love was translated and imbued in so many of the students he taught. He was truly exceptional. He spent 40 years of his career teaching at Ivanhoe Grammar both at Ivanhoe and the Plenty campus. Many will understand how much of an amazing feat that indeed was...

There was more to John than just his students though. His family was always his priority.  He always had time for his kids and did whatever he could to support them.

John was a passionate Collingwood member and supporter. He knew all the players, and ardently supported them whether it be at the ground in person or from his leather recliner in front of the TV. 

He always supported and had the support of his loving wife, Karen. The two of them were peas in a pod and were always looking out for each other, a true example of how a life partnership is and should be.

I was honoured to be able to stay in contact with John over the years and hugely valued his friendship.  Each year around Christmas I would always pay a visit if possible, and when other significant events happened I always wanted to be able to share them with him. He was always interested and engaged whether it be a new car or a new kid.

John tragically passed away in an accident whilst on a walk on holiday near Port Douglas. Whilst he had experienced his share of health challenges, he was loving life and life was good. This makes his sudden passing all the more tragic.

Whilst I share some of the sense of loss John's passing brings, this is nothing compared to the loss felt by Karen, David, Steven, Robert and Claire and his brother Roger. My heart goes out to you all.

Even in this time of sadness, there is much to celebrate as John was indeed an inspiration.  His legacy of having taught a multitude of students a love of science and discovery will live on, and his presence will be felt in all the lives he touched in perpetuity.

Vale John Pollard. Thank you for your inspiration and kindness, your passion and your tenacity. It will not ever be forgotten.

Ok - So I have embarked on a few life changes.  The first is to make a change in perspective.

I have long stated that:

The only thing that will change if you do nothing, is nothing.

So doing nothing is not an option.

Not that I necessarily have any amazing philosophical insights to share (yet) but I am sure that they will come.

I am taking some time off from the hustle and bustle of work, to try and gain some calm, and to travel to Japan.

What do I hope to gain from the trip? Well, I'm really not sure yet. I'll have to let you know when I find it.

I will be doing some Instagram posts of my trip over the next month so you can see these on my @kangadrew72 instagram account.  I have three key goals on my journey.

1 - Find the best coffee in Japan. - 日本で最高のコーヒーはどこですか

2 - Find the best ramen in Japan. - 日本で最高の拉麺はどこですか

3 - Find enlightenment. - 悟りはどこにある

Goal 1 will be challenging, as being a confirmed coffee snob, the bar is set high.

Goal 2 is a bigger challenge because with 28 days only overseas, that's only 28 days of dinners, and I still want to enjoy some Sushi and Sashimi whilst there...

Goal 3 - I suppose, is the ultimate challenge. I don't expect to find this, but with meditation, relaxation, focus and mindfulness, I can hopefully at least start this journey.

So that's it for now, keep following for more...

K.

Here are some of my cool tool projects

IP finder

Sometimes you have to quickly know what your IP Address is (according to the ourside world.  It's not too hard but it can be annoying. So I just created a little script to show it.  Nothing but the IP Address. Simple.

http://ip.kangadrew.com/

That's it. Nice and simple.

Cool - but how did you get the URL to redirect?

Well, I used another little tool called REDIR301.  This uses a DNS lookup to forward a notated subdomain through to a URL of your choosing.  So simple - check out the information at https://redir301.link/ and all the information is there.

If you understand how DNS works, then it can be used.  Hey, it's a little nifty and a little cheeky, but it works, and that's all that matters :-)

But you said a few cool tools - that's 3!

OK - got me.  So I have finally resurrected my Herepoint project.  First put together in 2014(!) Wow that's a long time ago- this little tool allows you to generate your own "Herepoint" using your current location, OR a location which you choose and then send it through to friends or share on social media.  https://here.pt/ 

This one still may have a few bugs, but the SMS system is working and the Twitter and Facebook shares still work too.

Note that this is in no way related to here dot com or that whole Here franchise, but if they want to buy the domain and are reading this, then please, send me an email!