AI Generates Code, Poems and Cat Images — But It's Not a Compiler, Poet or Camera

gerardsans · x · 2026-10-12

The author argues a core point of AI literacy: AI can generate code, poems, spreadsheets and realistic cat images, but it is not a compiler, poet, Excel or a camera. Confusing the output with the source inflates expectations and hides the work still required from you.

Responding to criticism, he adds that AI is software, not a person — 'AI IQ' talk is meaningless, and databases or text samplers don't have human traits. Improving literacy requires no deep technical expertise: just ask what the system actually does rather than what it appears to produce.

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