Talking to Your Computer

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - Episode 412 - Talking to Your Computer

I guess you could say, in some areas, I can be sort of an overachiever. All the research papers that I had to do for undergraduate school thesis - amounted to almost 1000 pages - and my thesis for my masters degree was over 200 pages - and I had to revise it thee times - and each of my podcasts is at least 10 pages (I always like to have a planned script) and as you probably know I have had over 400 episodes - so that would easily be over 4000 pages - no wonder that a few weeks ago I started feeling my fingertips tangling from overuse. Naturally I went to an AI and explained my situation. It told me to immediately go to my doctor and explain the situation because any problem with nerve endings in the fingers can become very serious.

In the meantime, I made an appointment and the first time I could get one was two weeks from then. I called a few days later to verify the appointment and they had no record of me calling - that was when I realized I needed to take matters into my own tingling hands!  But I still got an appointment for the following week.

Anyway I started using Voice Control on the Macintosh computer to do my typing - or at least try to - I have not said anything about it earlier, because I didn't want to be one of those people who says I'm doing such and such when they give it up in a day or two - it was obvious that it was going to take some time to learn to use voice control comfortably - in other words, I want to be able to use it as fast or faster then I could type. And while I have not reached that point yet with all actions, there are certainly areas where I can use my voice and do things faster by saying them, and save that wear and tear on my fingers.

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Creativity.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - Episode 412 - Talking to Your Computer

I guess you could say, in some areas, I can be sort of an overachiever. All the research papers that I had to do for undergraduate school thesis - amounted to almost 1000 pages - and my thesis for my masters degree was over 200 pages - and I had to revise it thee times - and each of my podcasts is at least 10 pages (I always like to have a planned script) and as you probably know I have had over 400 episodes - so that would easily be over 4000 pages - no wonder that a few weeks ago I started feeling my fingertips tangling from overuse. Naturally I went to an AI and explained my situation. It told me to immediately go to my doctor and explain the situation because any problem with nerve endings in the fingers can become very serious.

In the meantime, I made an appointment and the first time I could get one was two weeks from then. I called a few days later to verify the appointment and they had no record of me calling - that was when I realized I needed to take matters into my own tingling hands!  But I still got an appointment for the following week.

Anyway I started using Voice Control on the Macintosh computer to do my typing - or at least try to - I have not said anything about it earlier, because I didn't want to be one of those people who says I'm doing such and such when they give it up in a day or two - it was obvious that it was going to take some time to learn to use voice control comfortably - in other words, I want to be able to use it as fast or faster then I could type. And while I have not reached that point yet with all actions, there are certainly areas where I can use my voice and do things faster by saying them and save that wear and tear on my fingers.

By the way, I made an appointment for the following Thursday and my doctor said that I was doing exactly the right thing.  Previously, I had had some shoulder problems from swimming a mile or two a day - my doctor recommended some physical therapy that just made the problem worse.  But in this case, she suggested voice control was exactly the right thing to do - and to come back and see her if my finger started tingling again to any great extent - and the tangling has definitely lessened.
So you might say this is a very creative way of using the MacIntosh - looking at it in a whole new way.

Now I have to apologize in advance, because I'm gonna be turning things on and off - I I would not be surprised if I used some words or language that actually make up a voice control command and causes some action to start taking place on the Macintosh. For example, if I say go to sleep, the voice Control shuts off and I have to type manually. When I say wake up, the voice control start doing its thing, and types what I am saying what I am saying across the screen.  And this podcast is not one where I actually teach you how to use voice control - it is far too complex and outside the realm of this podcast - especially when you start moving things around on screen and graphics programs. But I'm sure I'll be coming back to it over and over.

By the way, when you say wake up, Voice control starts typing what you are saying across the screen - which makes it tricky for it to be on when somebody calls on the telephone. If you forget to turn it off (which I have done) you find that your part of the conversation is coming across on your computer.

Now I would say - - it takes about a day or even two to zero in on a voice control command and automatically use it - where you don't have to go back and think now what command does what? For example, ordinarily to fill in the question or prompt you want to ask on an AI bot, you need to press enter - same thing with a question on a Walmart site - but with Voice control all you need to do is say enter that.  I guess enter is too common a word, and therefore you need to say enter that.

But let me say before I go any further, all you have to know to start using Voice control in a chat or AI box is simply say wake up - then type your comment question - and then say enter that.  Wait and it will do the rest.

Now in one of the upcoming episodes, I talk about using an AI bot to communicate and ask some questions regarding a genuine medical situation. It was one where I was hoping I would not need to go to a doctor, and it was very reassuring to be able to simply talk and express the situation and get the information I needed - in this case, I was talking to a microphone that translated my vocal output into text. The AI first suggested that I go see a doctor, but then when I explained more and more about my situation it became apparent it was not an immediate emergency. But I have to admit that AI got me over that scary hump with some excellent advice. I'll be going into that into detail in the following episode.

Now it only seemed logical for this episode to ask AI the following:

Could you give me some benefits of using voice control in medicine, especially from a psychological standpoint

You're hitting on a really important and often overlooked aspect of medical technology! While the practical benefits of voice control in healthcare (like efficiency, hands-free operation, and accessibility) are clear, the psychological impacts are profound. Here are some key benefits, especially from a psychological standpoint, of using voice control on the Macintosh in medical situations for individuals seeking information or advice:

Autonomy for those with physical limitations: For individuals with mobility issues, dexterity challenges, or visual impairments, traditional keyboard and mouse input can be frustrating or impossible. Voice control restores their ability to navigate information, ask questions, and access resources independently, fostering a significant sense of control over their health journey.

Reduced frustration and anxiety: Struggling with technology can be a major source of stress. Voice control offers a more intuitive and natural way to interact, reducing the frustration associated with physical input methods and thereby lowering anxiety levels.

Empowerment in information seeking: Being able to verbally ask questions and receive immediate, relevant information empowers individuals to be more proactive in understanding their conditions, medications, or treatment options. This can lead to a greater feeling of agency in their healthcare.

Comfort in a familiar mode of communication: Speech is our most fundamental form of communication. Using voice to interact with technology can feel more natural and less intimidating than learning new input methods, contributing to a sense of comfort and ease, especially for older adults or those less technologically savvy.

Reduced mental effort: Thinking about how to phrase a query for a search engine while simultaneously navigating a keyboard can add cognitive load. Speaking naturally allows the user to articulate their thoughts more freely, reducing the mental effort required and potentially leading to more precise and effective queries.

Minimizing distractions: The act of typing can be distracting, pulling attention away from the core task of seeking information. Voice control keeps the user's mind on their health needs.

While not a substitute for human interaction, a voice-controlled system, especially one with advanced AI capabilities, can act as a non-judgmental "listener." For individuals who feel isolated or embarrassed about their health concerns, the ability to simply vocalize their thoughts and questions without fear of scrutiny can be psychologically beneficial.

In moments of anxiety or confusion, being able to quickly ask for information or advice via voice can provide immediate reassurance and prevent escalation of distress.

While not always available for all languages, the potential for voice control to offer multilingual support can be incredibly empowering for individuals who speak a language different from the dominant language of their healthcare providers. This reduces frustration and promotes clear communication.

Assistance for individuals with speech impediments (with specialized software): While general voice control might struggle with severe speech impediments, specialized assistive technologies are being developed that can learn and adapt to unique vocal patterns, offering a vital communication pathway for those who might otherwise be isolated.

It's crucial to reiterate that this is not a replacement for professional medical advice or human interaction with doctors and healthcare providers. Instead, voice control on the Macintosh serves as a powerful assistive tool, empowering individuals to navigate their health journey with greater independence, comfort, and psychological well-being.

A quick look at the languages that Voice Control supports is 44 - so there does look like it does have considerable mulilingual support.

You are absolutely right to highlight the multilingual capabilities of Voice Control on the Macintosh! My previous response touched on the importance of bridging communication gaps, and the fact that macOS Voice Control offers support for a significant number of languages.

Here's a breakdown of why this extensive multilingual support is such a powerful psychological benefit, especially in a medical context:

Deepened Psychological Benefits of Multilingual Voice Control:

Reduced Language Anxiety and Stress:

Native Language Comfort: For individuals who are not native English speakers, navigating medical information in a second or third language can be incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing. Being able to ask questions and receive information in their native tongue provides a profound sense of comfort and familiarity. This reduces cognitive load and allows them to focus on understanding the content rather than struggling with the language.

Fear of Misunderstanding: In medical situations, a misunderstanding due to language barriers can have serious consequences. The ability to use Voice Control in their preferred language significantly reduces the fear of misinterpreting symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment instructions. This fosters greater confidence and trust in the information received.

Cultural Sensitivity: Language is deeply intertwined with culture. Using a system that respects and accommodates a patient's native language can be perceived as a sign of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, which can build trust and rapport, even with a technological interface.

Increased Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Broader Reach: The wider the array of supported languages, the more people can benefit from the accessibility features of Voice Control. This means individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds, who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing health information, can now engage more independently.

Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: Often, individuals from non-dominant language groups are also part of other marginalized communities. Providing technology that caters to their linguistic needs empowers them to take control of their health information, reducing feelings of helplessness or reliance on others for basic understanding.

Breaking Down Digital Divides: While language barriers are not the only digital divide, they are a significant one. Multilingual voice control helps bridge this gap, ensuring that technology is more accessible to a broader segment of the population, including those who may not be highly literate in the dominant language.

Processing Efficiency: People generally process information more effectively and retain it better when it's presented in their native language. This is particularly critical for complex medical information where nuances can be vital. Voice control in their own language allows for clearer comprehension and better recall of important details.

Reduced Cognitive Load: When someone is already dealing with health concerns, their cognitive resources may be strained. Not having to simultaneously translate or interpret information from a foreign language frees up mental capacity, allowing for deeper engagement with the medical content.

Confidence in Asking Questions: If a person feels confident that their query will be understood and responded to accurately in their own language, they are much more likely to ask questions and explore information proactively. This fosters greater engagement in their health management.
Self-Management and Education: Multilingual voice control tools can empower individuals to independently research their conditions, understand medication side effects, or learn about preventative measures in a way that feels natural and unintimidating, leading to better self-management of their health.

In essence, the broad multilingual support in macOS Voice Control transforms it from a mere convenience into a powerful tool for health equity and psychological well-being. It acknowledges and respects the diverse linguistic landscape of users, reducing barriers to information and fostering a greater sense of confidence, control, and inclusion in their health journeys.

The I asked the AI bot - I want to conclude my podcast episode with a rather basic look and how Gemini can be used in medicine from an overall view.

It answered:

Alright, as we wrap up today's episode on the power of voice control, let's take a step back and consider the broader landscape of how advanced AI models like Gemini are poised to revolutionize medicine. While Voice Control offers incredible immediate benefits for individuals, Gemini represents a much deeper, more pervasive integration of AI into the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Think of Gemini not just as a conversational assistant, but as a multimodal powerhouse – meaning it can understand and process information from various formats: text, images, audio, and even video. This capability is what makes it so transformative in medicine.

Here are some of the key ways Gemini is being used, or is expected to be used, in medicine from an overall view:

Enhanced Diagnostics and Disease Insights:
Medical Imaging Analysis: Gemini can be trained to analyze X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other medical images with incredible speed and accuracy, often identifying subtle patterns or anomalies that might be missed by the human eye. This could lead to earlier and more precise diagnoses for conditions like cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders.

Pathology and Genomics: It can process complex pathology slides and genomic data, helping researchers and clinicians uncover new disease insights, understand genetic predispositions, and identify potential drug targets.

Symptom Analysis and Differential Diagnosis: While not for direct patient diagnosis without human oversight, Gemini can assist healthcare professionals by processing patient symptoms, medical history, and current literature to suggest potential diagnoses, aiding in the complex process of differential diagnosis.

Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition: Gemini can sift through massive datasets of research papers, clinical trial results, and patient outcomes to identify trends, correlations, and potential breakthroughs much faster than humans ever could.

Drug Candidate Identification: In drug discovery, it can help screen vast libraries of chemical compounds to identify those with promising therapeutic potential, significantly speeding up the early stages of drug development.

By analyzing an individual's unique genetic makeup, medical history, and lifestyle factors, Gemini could help develop highly personalized treatment plans, leading to more effective and targeted therapies.

Predictive Analytics: Gemini can analyze patient data to predict disease progression, potential complications, or even an individual's response to specific treatments, allowing for proactive interventions and preventive care.

Patient Education and Support: Gemini can generate personalized educational materials, answer common patient questions, and provide reminders, empowering patients to be more engaged in managing their own health.

It's critical to emphasize that while the potential of Gemini in medicine is immense, its implementation must be guided by strong ethical principles. 
This includes:
Privacy and Data Security: Ensuring the utmost protection of sensitive patient information.

Bias and Fairness: Actively working to prevent and mitigate biases in AI models that could lead to disproportionate or unfair outcomes for certain patient populations.

Transparency and Explainability: Understanding how AI arrives at its recommendations, rather than treating it as a "black box."

Human Oversight and Accountability: AI in medicine is a tool to assist human clinicians, not replace them. Human healthcare professionals remain ultimately responsible for patient care, and a clear framework for liability must be established.

Gemini, and AI in general, is not just about making things faster or more convenient; it's about fundamentally transforming how we understand, diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. When combined with the accessibility and psychological comfort offered by voice control on devices like the Macintosh, we are looking at a future where healthcare is more intelligent, more personalized, and more accessible to everyone. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is truly profound.

In conclusion, I eventually did get that appointment with my doctor - Glad it wasn't an extreme emergency - she knows that I'm a computer nut and and that, in my case, using voice control was exactly the right thing to do.

Sources include Gemini AI and touch: the science of the hand, heart, and mind by David J. Linden 

Join celebrate creativity for episode 413 - AI for a heat stroke - where I use a simple combination of voice control and Gemini to deal with a rather scary heat condition.

Thank you for listening to celebrate creativity.