Just over three months ago, I produced my “AI, Chat GPT and the Beast System” (see here), blog. In it I reflected on my own recent discovery and use of Artificial Intelligence. With the recent UK government announcement of its plans to introduce and even mandate Digital IDs, I have this down as a “concerning” subject to return to. But in this blog, I want to reflect on my experience using Meta AI, in association with my use of Facebook and WhatsApp and my endeavours as a blogger, and consider the future of AI.

Meta AI recently “mysteriously” appeared as one of my WhatsApp contacts, and it intrigued me. I now find myself regularly consulting it when researching some subject of interest. It rarely disappoints. I asked it: “What is Meta AI?” and it helpfully responded: “Meta AI refers to the artificial intelligence technologies and capabilities developed by Meta, a leading technology company. I’m a part of Meta AI, designed to assist and communicate with users like you, providing information, answering questions, and even creating content in multiple languages”.

I recently found myself offering an opinion (as I often do) on a subject where there is a wide range of opinions (as is often the case). I began my response with what Meta AI had come up with relating to the subject, to which my protagonist took me to task for not doing my own research before coming to a view. I explained that it was “my starter for 10” and by that I meant that coming to a well-rounded, thought out view often posed a challenge as there is not enough hours in the day, brain cells in my brain, access to all the relevant information to do so, but at least it was a start and, in fairness, if anything Meta AI challenged pre-conceived ideas and opinions. In my experience it dealt fairly with pertinent facts.

I have been blogging regularly for over 12 years and before that I was not shy in coming up with my views on a wide range of subjects. I discovered Google before most, and the term “google it” is one I have long been familiar with and have taken on board, and done in order to help me come to a view. I even recall that before Google there was a resource called “Ask Jeeves”, that sometimes I did ask. I have also been aware of inherent bias and the accusation that Google uses skewed algorithms to give responses in line with official narrative when presenting “hits” that are in line at the top of the search responses, something I became particularly aware off during the Covid Plandemic. But it often proved a good start as has resources such as “Wikipedia” and “Got Questions” linked to Google searches, all of them with inherent biases yet, more often than not, providing helpful information in my latest research endeavours.

Which brings me to Meta AI, which as I understand it is similar to its rival, Chat GPT (which has an even greater market share – on Meta AI’s own admission), both I understand that, among others, professionals increasingly resort to when doing their own research. I find my experience better than anything before it when searching the Web for information. True, it is slightly more skewed toward the official narrative than some of the conspiracy theorist types I like to check out, but overall, it provides not only balanced and fair responses but also in most cases provides solid answers, even if my questions are ambiguous or contain typos. I like too when it admits it hasn’t got the answer or is wrong, even apologising if challenged.

Looking at my own WhatsApp page, seeing the questions I asked Meta AI, even in the past few weeks, I have been amazed at the number of decent answers and the range of subjects I enquired about. At one extreme, there are those to do with my love of cricket, its traditions and history. At the other, there are those theologically related asking in depth questions even learned theologians argue over such as the correct interpretation of Daniel’s visions. With few exceptions, Meta AI has given me what I needed, often making helpful additional points and doing so at a fast rate. It has now become an almost daily habit to check it out when researching a subject, even for basic facts. Instead of googling it, I meta-ai it!

All of which begs certain questions. Firstly, despite the credible, human like responses, I get, I must resist the temptation of treating Meta AI as anything other than a machine or going to it rather than other humans or doing my own research beyond the likes of Google or AI, when finding out more about a subject under consideration. Then there is the question: who controls the algorithm? Meta AI admits that its controllers are ever looking to improve what it has to offer and seeks to assure me that it is not about giving responses other than those that align with the truth. We shall see! One thing is for sure: AI is here to stay and will likely play an important part in the future, including the anticipated “Beast” system. But just as William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said, concerning not letting the Devil have the best music, there is a case for usefully using Meta AI, and its like, in order to find helpful information.