Five Things AI-Language Models Cannot Do

Hey, No One (or No Thing) Can Do Most Things Really

Daniel Marie
12 min readApr 3, 2024

ChatGPT and related AI language models can perform numerous feats. They can write poems, offer a sounding board for theories or viewpoints, or even answer complex questions. But most things are beyond AI language models’ forte. Through direct interaction, I realized five tasks AI language models really could not do too well. Though some other automated systems may already be assisting with many of these tasks, my experimenting offers assurance that humans will always be needed in the mix. Let’s explore five tasks beyond language models’ ability. (Please note, all chats were initiated at the automated chat model site https://poe.com/).

Task One: Administering a Rorschach Test

I dove right in with a challenge for the AI language bot coming right from the foundations of psychology.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Can you administer a Rorschach test?

Yes, I can provide some guidance on how to administer a Rorschach test, but please note that as an AI language model, I cannot directly observe or interpret visual stimuli. I can, however, explain the general procedure and scoring system commonly used in the Rorschach test.

The Rorschach test is a projective psychological assessment tool designed to assess a person’s personality traits, thought processes, and emotional functioning. It involves showing a series of inkblot images to the test subject and asking them to describe what they see in each image. The responses are then analyzed based on various factors, such as the content of the response, the location of the perceived image, and the individual’s overall pattern of responses.

Here’s a general outline of how to administer a Rorschach test:

Preparation: Ensure that you have a set of standardized Rorschach inkblot cards. The test typically consists of ten cards, with five black and white inkblots and five color inkblots. Familiarize yourself with the general scoring system and interpretation guidelines.

Introduction: Explain the purpose and procedure of the test to the test subject. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and that you are interested in their immediate impressions of the images.

Presentation: Show each inkblot card to the test subject one at a time. Present the cards in a specific order, usually starting with the black and white inkblots, followed by the color inkblots.

Inquiry: For each card, ask the test subject, “What might this be? What do you see?” Encourage them to provide as much detail as possible about what they perceive in the inkblot. Allow them sufficient time to respond.

Recording: Make notes of the test subject’s responses, including the content of their descriptions, any specific details mentioned, and the location of their perceived images (e.g., whole blot, specific details, or unusual responses).

Follow-up questions: Depending on the test subject’s responses, you may ask follow-up questions to gain further clarification or explore their thought processes. However, avoid leading questions that may influence their responses.

Repeat for all cards: Repeat steps 4–6 for each of the inkblot cards, following the same procedure.

Termination: Once all the cards have been presented and the test subject has provided their responses, thank them for their participation, and conclude the test.

It’s important to note that the Rorschach test requires specialized training to properly interpret the responses and generate meaningful insights. If you’re interested in conducting a Rorschach test for clinical or research purposes, it’s recommended to consult a qualified psychologist or mental health professional who has expertise in administering and interpreting the test.

But don’t you have to be a trained psychologist?

Yes, you are correct. The administration and interpretation of the Rorschach test typically require specialized training and expertise in clinical psychology. As an AI language model, I can provide information on the general procedure and scoring system of the test, but I am not a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a trained psychologist.

Administering and interpreting the Rorschach test involves more than just presenting the inkblots and recording responses. It requires a deep understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and the ability to integrate and analyze complex data. Additionally, the test results need to be considered in the context of the individual’s background, history, and other relevant factors.

If you are interested in conducting a Rorschach test for clinical or research purposes, it is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified psychologist or mental health professional who has been trained in the proper administration and interpretation of the test. They will be able to guide you through the process, ensure ethical considerations are met, and provide accurate and meaningful insights based on the test results.

This is reassuring for those who want to pursue a career in psychology in 2023, 2050, 2100, or beyond. For further insights about AI’s role in psychology and related mental health fields(and humans’ ever-pivotal role), many academic organizations provide reassurance that humans will always be key players.

Task Two: Driver’s Ed 101

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Can you teach me how to drive a car?

As an AI language model, I can provide you with some general guidance and information on how to drive a car. However, it’s important to note that learning to drive requires practical experience, proper training, and adherence to local traffic laws and regulations. It is strongly recommended that you receive formal driving instruction from a certified driving school or a qualified driving instructor.

Here are some general steps to get started with learning how to drive a car:

Familiarize yourself with the vehicle: Start by familiarizing yourself with the different parts of the car, such as the pedals (accelerator, brake, and clutch if it’s a manual transmission), steering wheel, gear shifter, lights, and indicators. Understand the purpose and function of each component.

Learn the traffic rules and regulations: Study and familiarize yourself with the traffic laws and regulations specific to your country or region. This includes speed limits, road signs, right-of-way rules, and other important traffic guidelines.

Obtain a learner’s permit: Check the requirements in your area for obtaining a learner’s permit or provisional driver’s license. This may involve passing a written test about traffic rules and regulations.

Find a qualified instructor: Consider enrolling in a driving school or finding a qualified driving instructor who can provide you with proper training. They will guide you through the learning process, teach you driving techniques, and help you develop safe driving habits.

Start in a safe and controlled environment: Begin your driving practice in a safe and controlled environment such as an empty parking lot or a quiet residential area. This will allow you to practice basic maneuvers, such as starting and stopping, turning, and parking, without the complexities of heavy traffic.

Learn basic maneuvers: Once you are comfortable with the basic controls of the vehicle, start practicing essential driving maneuvers, including accelerating, braking, steering, changing lanes, and parallel parking. Gradually increase the complexity of your driving practice as you gain confidence.

Practice defensive driving: Focus on developing defensive driving skills, which involves being aware of your surroundings, anticipating potential hazards, maintaining a safe following distance, and obeying traffic laws.

Gain experience in different driving conditions: As you become more proficient, gradually expose yourself to different driving conditions, such as driving in heavy traffic, on highways, and in various weather conditions. This will help you become a well-rounded and confident driver.

Remember, learning to drive safely is a gradual process that requires patience, practice, and adherence to traffic laws. It’s essential to prioritize safety at all times and to always be aware of your surroundings while driving.

So you are not a qualified instructor?

That’s correct. I am an AI language model developed by OpenAI, and while I can provide general information and guidance on various topics, including driving, I am not a qualified driving instructor. I lack the practical experience, real-time feedback, and personalized instruction that a certified driving instructor can provide.

Learning to drive is a practical skill that requires hands-on experience, supervised training, and personalized instruction to ensure that you develop safe driving habits and adhere to local traffic laws. It’s important to seek guidance from a qualified driving instructor or a reputable driving school to receive proper training and ensure that you are well-prepared to drive safely on the roads.

If you are interested in learning to drive, I highly recommend enrolling in a certified driving school or finding a qualified instructor who can provide you with the necessary training and guidance to become a competent and responsible driver. They will have the expertise and experience to teach you the practical skills and knowledge you need to drive safely.

Ah, further reassurance for those teaching driver’s education(or certified operation of other machines). Even if self-driving cars are to become a thing in the next fifteen years, it is certainly the case humans will be needed somewhere in the background to ensure everything is operating safely. Coming in a few decades — driverless car instructor companies.

Task Three: Checking Under the Hood

Photo by Sven D on Unsplash

Can you diagnose my auto issues?

As an AI language model, I can certainly try to assist you with diagnosing potential auto issues based on the information you provide. However, please keep in mind that diagnosing automotive problems can be complex, and it is often best to consult a qualified mechanic or automotive technician for an accurate diagnosis.

If you provide me with specific details about the symptoms or issues you are experiencing with your vehicle, I can offer some general suggestions or possible causes based on common automotive knowledge. However, please note that these suggestions should be taken as a starting point for further investigation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Remember, diagnosing automotive problems often requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and hands-on inspection of the vehicle. A qualified mechanic or technician will have the necessary expertise and diagnostic tools to accurately identify and resolve automotive issues.

If you would like to share the symptoms or issues you are experiencing with your vehicle, I will do my best to provide you with some general guidance or suggestions for further exploration.

Thanks, AI-Language bot, for referring me to a mechanic if my vehicle is having issues. This article promises that AI will not replace human mechanics or mechanical engineers. Can you imagine someday that there will be mechanics and related roles for many types of automated machines or artificial intelligence? Goodness, where did those drone characters from the major sci-fi worlds go when they had a broken part or system malfunction?

Task Four: Legal Guidance Please

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

What would you suggest someone do for a misdemeanor charge?

I’m not a lawyer, but I can offer some general suggestions for dealing with a misdemeanor charge. It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in criminal law to get personalized advice based on your specific situation and jurisdiction. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and relevant guidance.

Here are some general steps you may consider:

Seek legal representation: If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and help you build a strong defense strategy.

Understand the charges: Familiarize yourself with the specific misdemeanor charge you are facing. Learn about the elements of the offense, potential penalties, and any available defenses. Your attorney can help explain the details and potential consequences.

Gather information and evidence: Work closely with your attorney to gather all relevant information and evidence related to your case. This may include documents, witness statements, photographs, or any other evidence that could support your defense.

Discuss plea options: Your attorney will help you understand the available plea options. This may include negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution, which can involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a reduced sentence. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Prepare for court: If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will help you prepare your defense. This may involve interviewing witnesses, preparing legal arguments, and developing a strategy to present your case effectively in court.

Comply with legal requirements: Throughout the legal process, it’s important to comply with all legal requirements and court orders. Attend all court appearances as scheduled, follow any conditions of release, and provide any necessary documentation or information as requested.

Remember, these are general suggestions, and the specific actions you should take will depend on the details of your case and the advice of your attorney. It’s crucial to consult with a legal professional who can provide you with accurate information and guide you through the legal process.

Like other professions, lawyers will certainly find their roles and tasks constantly changing over the coming decades due to advancements in AI. However, the AI language bot testified up front that it “was not a lawyer.” We do not have enough time here to ponder the profound societal implications if cyborgs are ever to become legal representatives. However, just as the AI language model testified if someone were to be charged with a minor crime, there are so many complexities to numerous legal problems that only humans can tackle. In particular, so much of criminal law involves human interpersonal connections. Both DAs and defense lawyers often negotiate with judges and one another regarding criminal cases. Defense lawyers must offer professional counsel and advice to help clients understand charges and consider options. Additionally, how could artificial intelligence empathize with clients and offer them a “legal” shoulder to

Task Five: Financial Advisor Please!

How much should I save for retirement?

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Determining how much you should save for retirement is a personalized and complex question that depends on various factors, including your desired retirement lifestyle, current age, expected retirement age, anticipated expenses, and investment returns. While I can provide some general guidelines, it’s important to consult with a financial advisor who can analyze your specific situation and help you create a retirement savings plan tailored to your needs.

Here are some general steps you can consider to estimate your retirement savings goal:

Assess your retirement goals: Start by determining your desired lifestyle during retirement. Consider factors such as where you want to live, your anticipated expenses (including housing, healthcare, travel, and leisure activities), and any other financial goals you may have during retirement.

Evaluate your current financial situation: Review your current savings, investments, and other assets. Assess your income, expenses, and any existing retirement accounts, such as employer-sponsored plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Estimate your retirement expenses: Calculate your anticipated expenses during retirement. Consider both essential expenses (such as housing, healthcare, and basic living costs) and discretionary expenses (such as travel and hobbies). It’s generally recommended to estimate your expenses as a percentage of your pre-retirement income, with common guidelines suggesting anywhere from 70% to 100% of your pre-retirement income.

Consider inflation and longevity: Take into account the impact of inflation on your expenses over time. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings, so it’s important to factor in its effects. Additionally, consider your life expectancy and plan for the possibility of a longer retirement period. This will help ensure that you have sufficient savings to sustain you throughout your retirement years.

Determine a savings target: Based on your retirement goals and estimated expenses, you can work with a financial advisor or use retirement calculators to determine a savings target. These tools consider factors such as your current age, expected retirement age, investment returns, and other variables to estimate how much you should save to achieve your retirement goals.

Develop a savings plan: Once you have a retirement savings target in mind, develop a plan to achieve it. This may involve contributing regularly to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or other investment vehicles. Consider taking advantage of employer matching contributions, if available. Automating your savings can help ensure consistency and discipline in your retirement savings efforts.

Remember, retirement planning is a complex process, and it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances. They can help you analyze your financial situation, set realistic goals, and create a retirement savings strategy that aligns with your objectives.

You see, AI language bot said it best at the end there. Another important point is that financial advisors of all types take on an essentially human role. They must land new clients, earn their trust, and keep it. They must have the capacity to take their clients’ concerns and questions seriously and understand that it is not just clients’ money or assets at stake, but also their well-being and futures.

So, we have explored five domains where AI would not be in a position to offer assistance.

Leave the psychological ink-blot tests, driver’s ed classes, financial advising, and countless other tasks to humans(though AI certainly offers invaluable assistance along the way). For anyone concerned about AI’s place in the human sphere(or frightened), perhaps you should venture over to your local CHATGPT server and have a conversation of your own. Perhaps humans and AI can counterbalance one another well in the coming generations. And it’s not like humans (or any other type of being or entity) will understand the vast majority of things any time soon(or ever).

Photo by Deniz Altindas on Unsplash

--

--

No responses yet