Chatib Basri Reveals AI Risks, Says Students Must Learn This

Senior economist Chatib Basri has weighed in on the significant developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically highlighting the concern that the technology may not be accessible or usable by everyone effectively.

“AI cannot actually be used by everyone. My concern is an L-shaped recovery. Because the most important thing in AI is not finding answers, but asking questions,” said Chatib during the Grab Business Forum on Tuesday.

For context, a K-shaped recovery refers to an uneven economic recovery where certain demographic groups, industries, or regions experience different rates of recovery following a recession. For instance, one sector may grow rapidly while others continue to decline or struggle to rebound.

Chatib noted that simply asking students questions in a classroom setting is becoming obsolete, as AI models such as ChatGPT are already capable of providing answers. Amidst the current surge of AI, he believes the most vital skill to teach is the art of inquiry.

“Therefore, the lesson is the lesson of asking,” he stated.

However, Chatib emphasised that not everyone possesses the ability to ask effective questions. He also warned of the significant risks faced by individuals who do not understand the context when using AI models.

During the event, Chatib cited a programme at Harvard that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of a topic through their use of AI. He believes this will create a massive disparity between those who master the subject matter and those who do not.

“So, my concern is that those who are clever at mastering problems will produce extraordinary work, whereas those who do not understand the problem will produce chaotic work. Consequently, what occurs is a K-shaped recovery,” Chatib explained.