제 27 호 How Far Can AI Go?
Kicker: ISSUE - OPINION
How Far Can AI Go?
By Chae-yun Lee, Reporter
How much do we really know about artificial intelligence (AI)? From generative chatbots like ChatGPT to platforms that create art and music, and even editing tools such as CapCut, AI has woven itself into nearly every corner of our daily lives. Today, it not only helps with school assignments and everyday tasks, but also extends into creative fields once considered uniquely human. This raises an important question: just how far can AI go?
Generative Chatbots: A Comparison
When most people think of AI, generative chatbots are often the first examples that come to mind. Among the most prominent are ‘ChatGPT’ by OpenAI, ‘Gemini’ by Google, and ‘Claude’ by Anthropic. Each offers a slightly different approach to AI-driven conversation.
ChatGPT has become globally recognized for balancing user-friendliness with detailed, coherent responses. Google’s Gemini, backed by the company’s powerful search infrastructure, stands out for its ability to integrate real-time information with Google’s broader ecosystem. Claude, meanwhile, emphasizes safety and careful reasoning, often delivering responses in a tone that feels more empathetic and reflective. Their differences highlight how rapidly this technology is evolving and how it is reshaping the way we interact with information.
Picture 1: ‘ChatGPT’, ‘Gemini’ and ‘Claude’
The Advantages of AI
The benefits of AI reach far beyond chatbots. Tools such as ‘Perplexity AI’ allow users to access vast amounts of information almost instantly, streamlining research and saving valuable time. Creative platforms like ‘MidJourney’ and ‘Stable Diffusion’ let users generate striking images in minutes—without professional training or expensive equipment.
For students, this means projects and presentations can be completed more efficiently. For businesses, AI reduces costs by automating tasks that once required entire teams. For artists, while controversial, it offers a new way to experiment with ideas and expand creative boundaries. AI’s ability to save time, reduce labor, and produce polished results makes it an increasingly powerful companion in both academic and professional settings.
The Other Side of AI
Of course, AI is not without its drawbacks. One of the most pressing issues is ethics. Many AI art generators are trained on existing works without the creators’ permission, raising questions about copyright and fair compensation. In writing and music, AI’s ability to mimic the style of specific artists blurs the line between inspiration and plagiarism.
Another concern is misinformation. Generative AI can produce convincing but entirely false texts, images, and videos. Deepfakes—AI-generated videos showing people saying or doing things they never did—pose serious risks to politics, journalism, and personal reputation. Misused, AI could spread falsehoods faster and more persuasively than ever before.
There is also the problem of overreliance. Because AI delivers quick and polished answers, students may be tempted to lean on it rather than developing their own research, writing, and creative skills. Over time, this dependence could weaken critical thinking and originality, both of which are essential for academic and personal growth.
Using AI Wisely
So, is AI a friend or a threat? The answer depends on how we use it. AI can certainly act as a helpful partner—saving time, reducing costs, and supporting both learning and creativity. But it cannot replace human judgment, creativity, or responsibility.
To thrive in an AI-driven world, we need media literacy more than ever—the ability to question, evaluate, and critically analyze the information AI provides. Rather than accepting its outputs at face value, we must verify, cross-check, and recognize the limits of what AI can and cannot do. AI is a tool, not an authority.
As AI technology advances, its influence on our lives will only deepen. It is already shaping classrooms, offices, and art studios, and its role will continue to grow. But just as calculators never eliminated the need to understand mathematics, AI should never replace our ability to think, question, and create. The challenge for our generation is to embrace the opportunities AI provides while holding on to the skills that make us uniquely human.
Ultimately, AI is not here to replace effort, but to redefine how we approach knowledge and creativity. As the technology grows more sophisticated, we, too, must grow wiser. The future of AI is full of possibility—but how far it goes is up to us.
Sources: AI platforms and applications
