Staying Curious in the Age of AI (Shweta Dabetwar Commentary)

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Curiosity has always been the foundation of change. We were encouraged to be inquisitive as children, and took the time to create complex storylines and design elaborate cities using nothing but the toys around us for inspiration. Albeit in a different way, that same curiosity has stayed with each of us into adulthood, fueling how we grow, make decisions and adapt to the world’s changes.

AI is the antithesis of curiosity, shooting out a seemingly infinite amount of information in seconds by streamlining years of findings and consolidating it all in one place. There is immense benefit to using AI, particularly as it relates to limiting user error, unlocking novel ideas and knocking out mundane tasks. However, there is also a certain apprehension that comes with pushing its limits for professional gain.

No one can deny AI’s efficacy in maximizing time, analyzing data and supporting efficient, technically perfect designs, especially in mechanical engineering, which is my area of focus. My field research has long supported the incorporation of AI, and done effectively, it’s the best tool out there. But what I find daunting is that if we start to over-rely on AI and fail to sharpen our skills, we’ll lose the credibility we’ve worked so hard to obtain. Responsible use unlocks a wide array of possibilities, while irresponsible use does more harm than good.

We cannot afford to rely on AI more than we do our own minds, and thankfully, we get to decide the extent and frequency to which it’s used. We’re at the helm of what it’s able to accomplish, controlling the data sets, text-based prompts and algorithms that are being fed into these models, not the other way around.

AI-based approaches may provide answers more quickly than we can on our own, but those answers are useless without being validated by solid, human-led results. Rapid AI advancements offer each of us the opportunity to become more effective leaders and make better decisions about when and how it should be regulated. It’s ultimately our job to be naturally curious, careful individuals as AI continues to expand.

We must seek out our own answers to our questions, stay on top of emerging trends and strive to remain relevant in our fields both with and without AI — an approach that goes beyond any single discipline. We must refrain from putting it ahead of human ingenuity as we continue integrating it into our work and elevating our skills.

Every notable discovery and advancement has been created by human thought and our unique ability to develop and execute great ideas in the face of uncertainty. It’s a quality that all the best leaders have in common, and one that is needed for future innovation.

AI touches every field and every job title, and whether you’re a scientist, student or seasoned in your career, I encourage you to embrace your inner curiosity by challenging yourself to discover answers the hard way.

It’s important to stay vigilant as the responsibility to question, learn and advance remains ours alone.

Shweta Dabetwar, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s School of Engineering & Engineering Technology. Dabetwar’s research focuses on the use of artificial intelligence and nondestructive testing in the mechanical engineering space.