Occasionally, while vacuuming, the hose of my cleaner knocks over a potted plant, making an already tedious chore feel even more burdensome. In such moments, I find myself feeling overwhelmed by domestic tasks. Once, I had hoped for a future filled with robot assistants. What became of that vision?
This sense of frustration prompted my exploration this week: Can artificial intelligence genuinely enhance my daily life?
Historically, home improvement has not been my forte. I tend to be disorganized and lack motivation, and as a practicing Buddhist, I tend to accept the imperfections in my living space. For instance, a milk stain has been stuck between the glass panes of my oven door for three years. When the AI questions, “Why not clean it?” it feels more like a reprimand than a challenge.
The AI guided me through the process of unlatching the door and removing the glass, and within moments, the milk was wiped away effortlessly. It felt almost like a spiritual awakening. How had I been living without addressing such simple tasks? I could sense a newfound enthusiasm growing within me.
However, the inner pane was still coated with baked-on grease. Could it be restored? The AI remained optimistic for both of us, instructing me to use a gentle paste of baking soda and vinegar, which ultimately proved ineffective after 30 minutes. I resorted to a powerful chemical cleaner, leaving it overnight, and the next morning, I was greeted with a brilliantly clean window. From stained glass to a clear view—what a transformation!
With newfound confidence, I tackled other household tasks, such as changing the oven light, which I hadn’t even realized was an option. Next, I turned to the fridge, where water had frozen beneath the crisper drawers. I used a warm compress to defrost the area, then cleared the drainage tube with a pipe cleaner and turkey baster to prevent future issues. I felt unstoppable!
In the following days, the AI remained unflappable, providing instructions on how to locate studs in drywall using magnets. This knowledge allowed me to secure picture hooks and hang artwork, which made me feel like I was moving beyond my previous student-like living conditions.
This reflection brought to mind my late father’s enthusiasm for DIY projects. It saddened me to realize that I could have acquired these skills from him, had I shown any interest earlier. Nonetheless, it’s better to learn late than never.
Then, I encountered a perplexing issue with my shower plinth that I struggled to describe, let alone fix. I asked the AI if it could “see” pictures. It requested a wide shot along with several close-ups, one taken straight on and another at an angle, plus an item for scale.
After snapping some photos of the problematic area, the AI diagnosed the issue as a failed mesh and filler patch, suffering from moisture damage, leading to brown stains and crumbling wood at the shower enclosure’s edge due to worn silicone. I was impressed by its analysis. It suggested that I could cut out and replace the silicone and beading, then patch with mesh and plaster, followed by priming and painting. However, I considered that hiring a professional might yield better results, as I lacked the confidence that the AI seemed to possess.
For my final DIY challenge of the week, I decided to confront a long-standing fear. It was embarrassing to admit that, despite living in my flat for a decade, I had never painted it. The prospect had always felt daunting. The AI reassured me, offering color suggestions based on our previous conversations, noting the ample sunlight in my space. “Consider these greige, mushroom, putty, and pale dusty colors,” it suggested, providing guidance that felt supportive.
I realized I could take a photo of my walls, capture a color swatch from a paint website, and request the AI to create a realistic visualization of my room in that shade. This was a game-changer for someone like me, who often struggles with spatial imagination. “Clay-rose would look stunning,” the AI encouraged, and I was convinced.
The AI then outlined a detailed plan, and I began the work of moving furniture, cleaning surfaces, and laying down dust sheets. By the end of the first day, I was exhausted. While the AI had been helpful, I missed the physical presence of a companion to share the effort.
I reached out to A, someone I had met on a dating app the previous week. “I love painting,” she replied. “I’m coming over.”
Collaborating was far more enjoyable. A was more skilled than I was and had a larger brush, but I held my own, with the AI discreetly offering tips on cutting-in and keeping my roller moist.
At the end of the day, we sat back, tired yet satisfied, basking in the warm glow of our progress. It felt refreshing and full of potential. Although I hadn’t completed the project alone, I sensed a significant transformation had taken place.
Initially, I approached this newsletter as a staunch skeptic of AI. To my surprise, I found that using voice commands with AI quickly became my preferred method for solving problems. I hadn’t realized how little I enjoyed sifting through online search results until now. It feels akin to having a genie at my disposal. I can’t imagine returning to the old way of navigating multiple websites; that feels like trying to play a piano underwater.
In recent weeks, I’ve recognized a paradox. As AI technology improves and becomes more versatile, my concerns grow, yet my reliance on it increases as well. Friends have confided in me about their own uses for AI, whether as a relationship advisor, financial consultant, or simply as someone to talk to while relaxing. It seems that these “genies” are becoming ingrained in every aspect of our lives.
Though I still harbor apprehensions, I can only see from my perspective. I have yet to contemplate the breakthroughs in fields like cancer diagnosis, business optimization, data analysis, or programming. As a creative individual, I often envision a future where AI, reminiscent of the malevolent Skynet from the Terminator series, produces formulaic art, devoid of human connection. Art is my way of understanding the world and connecting with others who seek the same.
Honestly, I am still uncertain about my feelings towards AI. I fear that I may be losing my own intellect. Here’s a little anecdote: Sometimes, people gift me sparkling wine, which I do not drink, leading to a collection of bottles accumulating in my home.
