What is Bard? If you don’t know by now you better keep reading. Well, according to Bard, it’s a “large language model (LLM) from Google AI, trained on a massive dataset of text and code [that] can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way.” To put it simply, Bard is an AI program from Google that can answer most questions asked by the user through searching the internet. Bard has gained massive popularity, especially for younger generations who are using it for educational purposes. One of my concerns with Bard is the credibility of the information; it searches the internet to create an answer or explanation and then feeds it to the user, but we all know the internet isn’t always truthful. So Bard can be telling you what it knows but not necessarily the truth. How does Bard decide what sources are credible? Because the last time I used Bard the source was from Wikipedia and some other random website. To some, Bard can be a shortcut for simple tasks like fixing the grammar in a message or drafting a full paper after a few short directions from the user. Bard can write in a professional way that gives users what they ask to see. But Bard is still only AI. And right now, AI doesn’t possess human emotions, not yet at least. So while Bard can probably take over my job by writing advice, I don’t think it can deliver the same message because some letters, papers, etc. are meaningful, emotional, and not perfectly scripted. Today I want to see if Bards is better. I’m going to have two separate paragraphs below on the same objective topic; one will be written by Bard and one by me. I will try my best to refrain from using personal stories or advice in order to make this “test” more fair. I won’t reveal the author of the paragraphs until the end of this article. See if you can find a difference. Is Bard better?

Topic: How technology affects today’s generation

1. In today’s generation, technology can be viewed in both a beneficial and harmful light. The idea that current technology is both good and bad coexists. For example, while in certain situations technology has allowed for widescale communication, it has also deterred people away from face-to-face interactions. Additionally, a lack of filters in technological apps and websites can result in fake and unsafe information being fed to the youth. Today’s generation is exposed to technology in higher doses and at a younger age; this excess screen time can cause children to detox from normal social relationships and instead invest their time online. On the opposite spectrum, the increasing use of technology in today’s generation has expanded peoples’ access to education, career resources, and entertainment. Technology use has created an entire media industry that employs and entertains millions. Technology is becoming an outlet for many and inspires the youth. While some may criticize technology for promoting laziness, others claim to have gained opportunities from technology that would not have been accessible before. Overall, technology in today’s generation has an expanding presence that will continue to grow.
2. Technology has had a profound impact on today’s generation. It has changed the way we communicate, learn, work, and play. Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family. We can now communicate with people all over the world through text messaging, social media, and video chat. This has led to a more connected world, but it has also made it more difficult to disconnect from our devices. Technology has made it easier to access information and learn new things. We can now watch educational videos on YouTube, take online courses, and access digital textbooks. This has made learning more convenient and accessible, but it has also led to a decline in critical thinking skills as people become more reliant on technology to do their thinking for them. Technology has changed the way we work. We can now telecommute, work from home, and collaborate with others online. This has made work more flexible and convenient, but it has also led to a blurring of the lines between work and personal life. Technology has also changed the way we play. We can now play games online, watch movies and TV shows on demand, and listen to music on streaming services. Overall, technology has had a mixed impact on today’s generation. It is important to use technology in a balanced way and to be aware of the potential negative consequences.

Ready?

The second paragraph was Bard but that wasn’t as hard to decipher as I thought. This is exactly what I typed into Bard: “Write a detailed paragraph on how technology affects today’s generation” to generate the second paragraph above (I had to shorten sections but I didn’t add anything to it). 

Here’s what I think. Bard is better. But only sometimes. I find Bard to be useful in writing professional content and checking over work already written. But ultimately, I think Bard lacks voice aka emotion and personality. I mean duh it’s not human. But what’s interesting is that you can tell Bard to write a poem, something that is usually filled with hidden emotions, and Bard can generate an emotional piece but only because it mimics past poems on the internet. AI isn’t the future anymore, it’s the present. Technology is impressive but also scary. I choose to find the usefulness of technology without letting it make me lazy and reliant. I’m coming to the conclusion that the question “is bard better” isn’t a very good question at all because the answer is very situational. I think Bard is good. But so am I.