KUCHING: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not fully replace humans as it lacks the depth of human creativity and critical thinking, says AI expert Chuah Kee Man.
Chuah, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), explained that AI’s creativity is limited by the data it is fed, preventing it from achieving true originality in creative tasks.
“Unlike AI, humans can grasp the context of an issue through experience and emotions.
“This comprehensive understanding of context enables humans to think more critically and creatively,” he said.
Chuah noted that a primary challenge in AI usage is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated outputs, whether text or other materials.
He said AI output is constrained by the data available within large language models, which are often limited and not exhaustive.
AI algorithms, like those in large language models (LLMs) such as Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), a multimodal large language model, are trained on vast amounts of text and can generate content that appears creative.
However, they rely strictly on patterns and data within their training models, lacking the true flexibility, empathy, and intuition that guide human creativity.
For example, AI might generate a poem or an artwork by synthesising existing data, but it cannot invent entirely new concepts or styles independently.
He added that this reliance on past data restricts AI’s critical thinking abilities.
“This limitation can lead to inaccuracies in AI-generated content. Therefore, users must actively evaluate the outputs and cross-check facts with trusted sources,” he said.
Chuah further stressed the need for greater AI literacy and urged users to understand how AI works and recognise its limitations.
He recommended that users cross-check AI-generated content with verified sources, especially in professional contexts like journalism, legal advice, and medical information.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged AI’s efficiency in handling straightforward tasks, particularly those not requiring deep analysis.
“Tasks like drafting short texts, preparing promotional materials, and managing emails can be completed more quickly with AI,” he added.
