Italian philosopher Andrea Colamedici addressed the reactions to the creation of his recent book, acknowledging the hurt some readers felt upon learning the truth about its development. He expressed regret but deemed the revelation necessary. Some individuals expressed a wish for the existence of the author, to which Colamedici responded by emphasizing the importance of building personal narratives. He warned that failing to do so could allow the far right to dominate narratives, fabricate myths, and shape history without challenge.
In a conversation with WIRED, Colamedici elaborated on his project, which involved teaching and researching at the European Institute of Design and the University of Foggia. He noticed his students were misusing ChatGPT by copying from it, which he found concerning given the wealth of information available today. Colamedici cautioned that reliance on AI for easy success could leave individuals devoid of true understanding. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning in the use of AI, stating that mastering how to learn with it is crucial.
Colamedici identified a crucial distinction in how information can either hinder or enhance one’s ability to think. He advocated for using AI as a tool that challenges perspectives, warning against the passive consumption of information that tech companies tailor to satisfy consumer biases. Without proper discernment, individuals might remain unaware of the ideological agendas underlying AI, risking intellectual complacency.
The book aimed to achieve three objectives: improving AI literacy, introducing new concepts for modern times, and balancing theoretical and practical insights. When readers realized the unconventional process behind the book, Colamedici reiterated the necessity of building personal narratives to prevent the far right from monopolizing discourse.
In writing his philosophical essay, Colamedici clarified that AI was not used to write but to generate ideas. He engaged with AI tools in a critical manner, using them to refine his thoughts rather than searching for answers. Colamedici underlined the importance of understanding technology to avoid being controlled or manipulated by it, advocating for informed engagement with AI as a tool.
