Generation Chat

Suhavna Khalawan | February 2023

I’m a proud millennial. I’ve experienced technology in all shapes and forms. From a DOS operating system and dial up internet, to the interconnected technology of today, where everything but the kitchen sink is designed to pair with a smart phone. (Maybe the kitchen sink too?)

Brought up by strict baby boomers of colour in South Africa, I have the advantage of living a younger life disconnected from tech. No streaming YouTube videos to entertain me while I ate dinner; no ned to check my appearance before walking into a room for fear of a photo on social media; and no need for 100s of messages back and forth to meet up for a movie. Somehow, we were able to meet up at an agreed upon time – 2pm, break-up day, the mall. Lo and behold, at 13.50 while walking towards the movie theatre, I spot a tribe of belly-laughing teenagers, who came as they were. No selfie needed. Growing up in this time, I understood the importance of making human connections, thinking from first principles, drawing conclusions, and old school research using encyclopaedias.

But don’t get me wrong. Technology deeply excites me, perhaps marginally scares me, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Technology intrigues me in the way that Ron Weasley’s dad, Arthur, was intrigued by muggle artifacts. I loved collecting tech. Until I realised the real expense of having the latest android phone half-submerged in a bathtub, on top of a squeaky plastic boat, adjacent to rubber duckies. I keep abreast of tech but don’t own as much as I used to.

AI though. I’ve read lots, and watched series about it, but I’d never experienced it properly until ChatGPT. And when I did, boy, did my heart sing! It gave me a glimpse into the future of tech. It’s so fascinating, so collaborative, and it feels rooted to where we come from as humans.  

I’m writing this blog on my laptop at the dining room table. My 6-year-old, coding robot in tow, is determined to build an obstacle course for her hamster. Mama, can you ask it (ChatGPT) what a hamster’s favourite obstacle is? My toddler son in the background, listening to streamed nursery rhymes, while getting out all his toys to support his sister in the planning for their pet, Timmy. While my husband looks on, lovingly allowing them their fun but carefully taking mental notes of every toy that the hamster touches so he can clean them later. It feels fabulous to watch this integration of tech in our lives. What will the future hold? I do feel like the future will entail some sort of mutual learning between generations. To teach the younger generation about balance and the “slow” times that have passed. And to teach the older generation how to use just the right amount of technology to make their lives easier.

ChatGPT can start to feel like a conversation, but it’s not quite there. The to-and-fro dance of natural communication is missing. ChatGPT – What is an actuary? ChatGPT – What is IFRS17, and in your explanation, can you include methodology in detail? ChatGPT – What is the difference between multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary?

I do believe that we are all connected, in some way or form. And I strongly believe in mean reversion towards the truth. Here the truth is of humans being connected and wanting to experience connection. I also believe that we choose to pursue tools that deepen that connection. For me, that pursuit is what brought the internet and social media to life after its creation. And connection is a common thread as to what ChatGPT is about – one big consciousness, connection and collaboration of minds. Constantly forming, changing and shaping thoughts. Hopefully with all the newly created tech, we choose to use it to strive towards the good goals that make us human. But that is a thought for another day. ChatGPT – What are humans striving towards?