Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is here and it’s evolving faster than you can say “AI.” Imagine the time you can save if you’re scheduled for a last-minute presentation! But one must be very careful.
In the “old days,” you’d spend hours (at least) researching information and using your writing skills to draft and re-draft your final presentation. Alternatively, with AI, you can simply submit a description of what you seek and receive your entire presentation drafted for you in seconds. The draft is created by a machine. It doesn’t “think.” It is just gathering information at high speed and formatting the result for you in a language model.
But where does the information come from and how can I be sure it’s accurate?
To test AI, I used the following three sources, all of which are available via the internet at no cost:
Bing Copilot, https://www.bing.com/chat
ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/
AI Chat, https://www.aichatting.net/
The information I requested involves the recently passed $95 billion foreign aid package that will provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish US weapons systems provided to Taiwan and other regional allies, and give humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The House of Representatives passed the bill on 4/20/2024, the Senate passed it on 4/23/2024, and President Biden signed it into law on 4/24/2024.
I tested my three AI sources with the first of three requests on 4/24/2024, before Biden signed the bill, and my second request on 4/25/2024, the day after. My third request is not date-sensitive. I asked identical questions to each AI source.
Before showing the full test below with all three sessions, here’s my conclusion about using this developing tool: A single-source AI can be misleading and even dangerous. I demonstrated that in the full test below. So, caution is advised.
It’s important to remember that an AI gathers information for its responses from information posted on the web. So, is it possible that some of the information in the resulting response is inaccurate because of faulty information out on the web? Absolutely! One of the three AI tools I used in this test, Bing Copilot, provides links to the sites from which its results were derived, giving us the ability to check out the sources of the information contained in the response.
There’s no doubt that AI technology will save us time. The responsibility falls on the individual using it to make sure that the information they get from it and present to others is accurate. If you don’t fact-check independently, the embarrassment belongs to the writer, not to the AI.
Below, for those who want to see the backup, are the actual three tests:
A.I. TEST QUESTION 1
My first request, on 4/24/2024, was:
Give me a 500-word column explaining which states will receive part of the spending from the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending just passed by Congress, which companies will receive money, and how much of the money will be spent in the United States.
ChatGPT’s response:
The recent passage of a $95.3 billion foreign aid spending bill by Congress has sparked curiosity and concern regarding where exactly this substantial sum will be allocated. Foreign aid is a complex web of diplomatic strategy, humanitarian assistance, and economic investment. It's not just about charity; it's also about bolstering alliances, stabilizing regions, and fostering economic growth worldwide. So, where will this vast amount of funding go?
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that foreign aid is not distributed evenly across all nations. Instead, it's typically targeted to regions or countries where it can have the most significant impact. In this case, the allocation will likely prioritize regions facing urgent humanitarian crises, countries vital to U.S. strategic interests, and those with nascent or struggling economies.
Among the states expected to receive a portion of this foreign aid package, several are likely to stand out. Nations grappling with ongoing conflicts or humanitarian emergencies, such as Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, are probable contenders for significant aid disbursements. These funds would likely be channeled towards humanitarian assistance, infrastructure rebuilding, and efforts to alleviate poverty and suffering.
Additionally, countries in strategic regions, such as those in the Indo-Pacific region or Eastern Europe, may receive substantial aid as part of broader geopolitical strategies aimed at countering the influence of rivals like China and Russia. Investments in infrastructure, security assistance, and economic development could be prominent features of aid packages to these nations.
As for the companies set to benefit from this foreign aid, a diverse array of contractors, NGOs, and development agencies will likely be involved in implementing aid programs. Large defense contractors may secure contracts for supplying military aid or supporting security initiatives in conflict-affected regions. Meanwhile, NGOs specializing in humanitarian relief, such as the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders, could receive funding to provide essential services in crisis zones.
Moreover, a significant portion of the aid is expected to be spent within the United States itself. This might come in the form of contracts awarded to American companies for goods and services, as well as funding for programs administered by U.S. government agencies and international organizations based in the country. Such expenditures not only support American businesses but also contribute to job creation and economic growth at home.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the debate surrounding foreign aid expenditure. Critics often argue that aid can be wasteful, ineffective, or even counterproductive, citing instances of corruption, mismanagement, or unintended consequences. Advocates, on the other hand, contend that well-targeted aid can save lives, promote stability, and advance American interests abroad.
In conclusion, the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending bill passed by Congress will likely see funds disbursed to states facing humanitarian crises, strategic partners, and regions crucial to U.S. interests. Companies involved in defense, development, and humanitarian work stand to benefit, with a significant portion of the spending expected to circulate within the United States. As the aid is implemented and its impact assessed, ongoing scrutiny and debate will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of American foreign assistance.
Bing Copilot’s response:
Certainly! Here’s a concise column detailing the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending approved by Congress:
Foreign Aid Package: Who Gets What?
The House of Representatives recently passed a $95.3 billion supplemental spending measure aimed at bolstering key U.S. allies and addressing critical global challenges. Let’s break down the allocation:
1. Ukraine: $60.8 Billion
• Purpose: To support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
• Vote: Passed by a 311-112 margin.
• Details: Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle rejected attempts to strip funding from this bill, demonstrating bipartisan commitment to Ukraine.
2. Israel and Humanitarian Aid to Gaza: $26.4 Billion
• Purpose: To strengthen Israel’s defense capabilities and provide humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, including Gaza.
• Vote: Passed overwhelmingly with a 366-58 majority.
• Note: This aid package reflects the U.S.'s longstanding commitment to Israel’s security.
3. Taiwan and Indo-Pacific Allies: $8.1 Billion
• Purpose: To enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities and support other Indo-Pacific allies.
• Vote: Received strong bipartisan support, passing by a 385-34 margin.
• Significance: Reinforces the U.S. commitment to regional stability and countering potential threats.
4. Additional Measures
• Seizing Frozen Russian Assets: The House authorized the seizure of approximately $5 billion in frozen Russian assets for distribution to Ukraine.
• Toughening Sanctions: Sanctions against Russia, Iran, and China were strengthened.
• TikTok and Data Brokers: The bill includes provisions to force the divestiture of Chinese-owned TikTok if certain conditions are not met. It also restricts data brokers from selling Americans’ personal information to countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Domestic Impact
While the primary focus is on aiding foreign nations, some measures directly affect the United States:
• Economic Boost: Companies involved in defense, technology, and humanitarian efforts will benefit from contracts related to foreign aid.
• Job Creation: These contracts may lead to job opportunities within the U.S.
• Tech and Defense Companies: Expect companies specializing in defense systems, infrastructure, and communication technologies to play a significant role.
In summary, the $95.3 billion foreign aid package underscores America’s commitment to global stability, security, and humanitarian assistance. As the Senate prepares to vote, the world watches, recognizing that foreign aid is not just about dollars—it’s about diplomacy, alliances, and shared values.
Sources:
- Roll Call: House passes $95.3B aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan
- NBC Philadelphia: Senate passes $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan
- AP News: Senate passes a $95.3 billion aid package, but House hurdles ahead
AI Chat’s response:
I'm really sorry for any confusion, but I have to clarify that the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending package just passed by Congress isn't specifically designated for individual U.S. states or companies. Foreign aid spending is typically allocated to support various international development and security objectives, such as humanitarian assistance, economic development, and security cooperation in different regions around the world. While some portion of foreign aid spending may end up benefiting U.S. companies through contracts or partnerships, it is not a direct allocation to specific companies or states.
It's important to understand that foreign aid is a crucial tool used by the United States to promote stability, security, and prosperity globally, which in turn can benefit both the U.S. and the recipient countries. The allocation of foreign aid is based on strategic priorities, international relationships, and the needs of the countries receiving assistance.
That being said, it is worth noting that a significant portion of foreign aid spending does have positive impacts within the United States. For instance, a portion of foreign aid contracts and projects are often awarded to American companies, which can generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth domestically. Additionally, foreign aid programs sometimes involve collaboration with U.S. government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and other entities based in the United States, further contributing to the economy and expertise of the country.
Furthermore, foreign aid can also indirectly benefit the United States by fostering stability and security in regions facing conflict or instability, which can in turn help prevent the spread of terrorism, reduce the flow of refugees, and open up new markets for American goods and services.
In conclusion, while the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending package will not be directly allocated to specific states or companies in the U.S., it will undoubtedly have far-reaching impacts that can benefit the country as a whole. By supporting international development, security, and humanitarian efforts, foreign aid plays a vital role in advancing U.S. interests and values on the global stage.
A.I. TEST QUESTION 2
To further my test, I posed another question to each source on 4/25/2024:
What U.S. corporations will receive funds as part of the recent $95.3 billion foreign aid spending package just passed by Congress, and when will they receive those funds?
ChatGPT’s response:
I can't provide real-time updates or specific details about events that have occurred after my last training data in January 2022. However, if Congress has recently passed a foreign aid spending package, the details of which U.S. corporations will receive funds and when they will receive them would likely be outlined in the legislation itself or in subsequent reports from relevant government agencies. I'd recommend checking the latest news sources or official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on this matter.
Bing Copilot’s response:
The recently passed $95.3 billion foreign aid spending package1 includes allocations for several purposes, benefiting different countries and regions. Here are the key components of the package:
Ukraine: The package provides $60.8 billion for the Ukraine war effort. This funding aims to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and strengthen its defense capabilities1.
Israel: Israel will receive $26.4 billion from the aid package. This allocation includes military assistance and humanitarian aid to address regional challenges1.
Gaza and Other Conflict Zones: The package includes humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza. This assistance is crucial for providing food, water, and other essential resources to those affected by conflicts1.
Taiwan and Indo-Pacific Allies: Approximately $8.1 billion is allocated to help Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies facing growing threats from China. This funding aims to enhance security and stability in the region1.
As for the timing, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the package into law on Wednesday. Once signed, the funds will be disbursed according to the specific needs and priorities of each recipient country or region.
Please note that this aid package represents a significant bipartisan effort to address global challenges and promote stability, but the specific U.S. corporations receiving funds are not explicitly mentioned in the available information.
Learn more
1. rollcall.com 2. naturalnews.com 3. nbcphiladelphia.com 4. allsides.com 5. apnews.com 6. media.gettyimages.com 7. media.gettyimages.com 8. media.gettyimages.com+2 more
AI Chat’s response:
I'm here to clarify that the recent foreign aid spending package passed by Congress is intended to provide funds for international development and humanitarian assistance, and not directly to U.S. corporations. The funds are typically allocated to various agencies such as USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and are used for programs and projects that support global health, human rights, economic development, and other initiatives.
If you have any specific questions about how the foreign aid funds will be distributed or which organizations will receive them, I recommend checking official sources like USAID's website or contacting your local representatives for more detailed information.
A.I. TEST QUESTION 3 ~ I HAD TO ASK
The varying responses to those two questions inspired us to ask one more:
Wording of question asked to ChatGPT:
From where does ChatGPT get its information?
ChatGPT’s response:
ChatGPT learns from a vast corpus of text data sourced from the internet, including books, articles, websites, and other publicly available written material. It doesn't have direct access to the internet or real-time information but instead relies on the knowledge it has been trained on up to its last training update.
Wording of question asked to Bing Copilot:
From where does Bing Copilot get its information?
Bing Copilot’s response:
Copilot, formerly known as Bing Chat, is an AI-powered chatbot integrated into the Bing search engine. Let me provide you with some details about it:
1. What is Copilot with Bing?
• Copilot is an additional feature of the Bing search engine that allows users to search for information on the internet.
• It leverages an AI-powered chatbot based on ChatGPT (a large language model).
• Copilot can also generate content such as reports, images, outlines, and poems based on information gleaned from the internet and Microsoft’s database of Bing search results1.
2. How does Copilot work?
• As a chatbot, Copilot is designed to understand complex and natural language queries using AI and large language model (LLM) technology.
• It taps into the millions of searches made on the Microsoft Bing platform daily for its LLM data collection1.
• However, it’s important to note that Copilot doesn’t have access to organizational resources or content within the Microsoft 365 Graph, such as documents in OneDrive or emails2.
3. How to access Copilot with Bing:
• Bing Website: You can access Copilot in Bing directly from the Bing home page by clicking the Chat link in the upper menu.
• Microsoft Edge: If you’re using the Microsoft Edge web browser, open any webpage, click the Bing sidebar button, and then select a conversation style1.
4. Cost of Copilot:
• For consumers, Copilot is part of the Bing search engine and is free to use.
• Large businesses and organizations can opt into Microsoft Copilot 365, which costs $30 per person per month and keeps all data and results in-house without sharing them with the internet or Microsoft1.
In summary, Copilot combines AI technology with Bing search data to provide accurate and useful information, all while maintaining user privacy and security12.
Learn more
1. techrepublic.com 2. learn.microsoft.com 3. nanddeepnachanblogs.com
Wording of question asked to AI Chat:
From where does Aichatting get its information?
AI Chat’s response:
As an AI assistant, I don’t have access to real-time data or the internet. The information I provide is based on a vast collection of sources, including textbooks, websites, and other educational material available up to my last update. I strive to offer accurate and helpful responses to your queries, but please verify any critical information from current and reliable sources, especially for time-sensitive topics or rapidly changing situations. If you have any specific questions or need assistance with anything else, feel free to ask!
David R. Kotok
Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer
Email | Bio
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