Perils of Trusting AI in Wilderness Adventures

Published Date: 03/07/2024

As AI-powered outdoor gear and guides become more prevalent, it's crucial to consider the potential risks of relying on technology to navigate the wilderness.

As someone who spends a significant amount of time editing and fact-checking stories about hiking, I was surprised when Google started serving me ads for outdoor gear and tourism destinations. But what really caught my attention was an ad for Google's Pixel 8 smartphone, which features an onboard artificial intelligence called Gemini. The ad shows a dad struggling to set up a tent, only to be rescued by Gemini, which provides him with step-by-step instructions. While the ad is relatable, it also raises important questions about the role of AI in the outdoors.

The use of AI to filter restaurant results is one thing, but relying on it for basic outdoor skills comes with real risks. Google's AI, for example, has been known to provide dangerous advice, such as telling users to eat glue or cook spaghetti in gasoline. And while these errors may not have caused harm, it's not hard to imagine AI telling a new camper it's safe to run a propane heater inside their tent or eat a poisonous mushroom.

There are also philosophical objections to AI-directed camping. Becoming competent in the outdoors is a long and sometimes uncomfortable process, but it's also joyful and fosters self-confidence and a deeper connection with the environment. Mediating that through a robot assistant can dilute that experience and ensure that you neither learn any real outdoor skills nor unplug in a meaningful way.

Other tech firms, such as Meta, are also pushing AI-powered outdoor gear, including ads featuring AI-generated images of campers. But these ads raise important questions about the kind of person who finds more inspiration in fake images than in real outdoor photos.

Ultimately, the outdoors should be for everyone, and how you choose to get outside is up to you. But it's crucial to think about what you want to get out of your time in the woods and to be cautious of relying too heavily on AI. There are many people who can help you polish your outdoor skills without harvesting your personal data, from experienced friends to local trail clubs to human experts.

FAQS:

Q: What is Gemini AI?

A: Gemini is an onboard artificial intelligence featured on Google's Pixel 8 smartphone.

Q: What are the risks of relying on AI in the outdoors?

A: The risks include receiving dangerous or inaccurate advice, becoming too reliant on technology, and missing out on the opportunity to develop real outdoor skills and connections with nature.

Q: Can AI replace human outdoor guides?

A: No, AI should not replace human outdoor guides. While AI can provide some helpful information, it cannot replace the expertise and experience of human guides.

Q: How can I safely use AI in the outdoors?

A: To safely use AI in the outdoors, it's crucial to be cautious and skeptical of the information provided, to always follow safety guidelines, and to supplement AI with human guidance and experience.

Q: What are some alternatives to AI-powered outdoor gear?

A: Some alternatives to AI-powered outdoor gear include seeking guidance from experienced friends, local trail clubs, and human experts, as well as using traditional outdoor skills and guides. 

More Topics :