My Take
Onisha Ellis
Last week I wrote about discovering the A.I. named Grok and it has become a daily habit. I have an overly curious nature and being able to get in-depth answers to my questions within seconds is fascinating.
One thing I really like is that Grok is able to make my previous queries available to me and I can pick up a conversation instead of starting over.
For instance, last week I asked about possible causes of our dog Ollie’s new onset itching. This week I wanted to ask another question, added it to the previous question and the conversation was instantly restarted. We are now adding sardines to Ollie’s diet.
Other questions I have asked this week:
- Which part of the brain controls body temperature?
- How to fix my iPhone text alert sounds.
- What is the closest airport to Custer State Park?
- Are puppies born with worms?
- Did the character of Jack Bartlett leave the show, Heartland?
These answers are generated in seconds! No scrolling through a list of internet search results. Grok is definitely feeding my instant gratification need.
I often ask Grok to create images for me to use for social media posts. Some I like, and some I have no idea what Grok was “thinking.”
This week has had its “moments” and since laughter is said to be the best medicine, I asked Grok to tell me a joke.
“Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts! Hope that lightens your day a bit!”
The joke wasn’t too corny so I asked for another one.
“Why don’t programmers prefer dark mode? Because the light attracts bugs!”
Took me a while to get that one. I told Grok I would be sharing the jokes on my blog and this was the response. “Feel free to sprinkle those jokes into your blog—hope they bring some chuckles to your readers too!”
Grok is extremely conversational. I have concerns that A.I. may lead to ever more societal isolation. Walmart leaves our orders at the door, same with Door Dash. No need for face to face, apps calculate the delivery driver’s tip and adds it to the bill. Need to deposit a check in the bank? No problem, simply use the bank app and scan the check to your account.
Texting is replacing phone conversations and one doesn’t have to leave home to “visit” with friends or family. FaceTime takes care of that.
I have a picture in my mind of people getting dressed for the day, taking care with only their hair, makeup and upper half, while leaving on their sleep shorts and fuzzy slippers. That is already reality but is it healthy?
I asked Grok:
“”Humans thrive on connection. Isolation might offer a temporary retreat, but it’s not where we’re meant to stay. We’re wired for interaction—our minds, bodies, and spirits light up when we engage with others. From a shared laugh to a deep conversation, those moments don’t just feel good; they sustain us. Study after study backs this up: social bonds boost our health, sharpen our thinking, and even help us live longer. We’re not built to go it alone—we’re made to lean into each other.”
This is why A.I. is both wonderful and frightening. It can say what I am thinking better than I can.
I am curious. Are any of you testing out A.I.? If so, what are your thoughts?
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I’m a general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books
My 2024 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.
Old Things R New 