Ever since ChatGPT was introduced, it has sparked a lot of debate and interest. Some people are genuinely thrilled about artificial intelligence’s potential to enhance our lives. On the other hand, there are valid concerns about the risks associated with this technology.
The more I’ve played with the tool, the more I’ve noticed a parallel principle between getting the best feedback out of artificial intelligence and getting helpful answers from our own intelligence as well.
That parallel in both forms of intelligence is that the quality of our questions determines the quality of our answers.
For artificial intelligence like ChatGPT, the way we phrase our questions significantly impacts the accuracy of the responses we receive. By carefully wording the questions, we can guide the AI towards providing more helpful and meaningful information.
An example could be asking, “How can I improve my speech” as opposed to asking “Provide tips and tricks on improving my speaking and presentation skills for a public demonstration that is only two weeks away.”
Vision. Detail. Clarity.
The interesting parallel is that the same can be said of our self-directed questions, as well. When we have clarity in the questions we ask ourselves, it's like flicking on a bright light that shines the way into our thoughts and emotions.
It's pretty amazing how asking the right questions can help us go deeper, gain fresh perspectives, and really get to know ourselves on a whole new level.
For instance, asking ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?” in a challenging circumstance is natural. However, asking “What can I do to improve this situation?” empowers us to take action and find actual solutions.
Similarly, shifting from “When is John going to learn to….” to asking, “How can I help John learn to…” opens the door to being part of the answer rather than just stating the fact that there’s a problem.
Both sets of questions can be asked in similar circumstances, but each leads to very different outcomes.
Whether we’re dealing with Artificial or our own personal Intelligence, remembering that the quality of our questions determines the quality of our answers is an essential nugget of wisdom to keep in mind. It's like having a secret superpower that can make all the difference in how we learn, understand, and make decisions.