I’m not doing this PC stuff anymore

but now I just put my headphones on either to watch a film on my laptop or listen to music.

workers across many industries leading to mass unemployment. Furthermore, it’s feared if left unregulated, the rapidly advancing capabilities of AIs may soon surpass those of even highly­trained professionals like lawyers or doctors. They could even become redundant and their livelihoods destroyed.

Those in creative industries worry too. ‘Succession’s’ Jeremy Strong claims AI can’t write ‘Succession’s’ ‘killer lines’. Similarly, Michelin star level chefs maintain only a human can distinguish between ‘different levels of flavour, depths... more nuances’.

Another threat posed by advanced AIs concerns ethical considerations when they’re used for tasks requiring moral judgement, empathy or compassion. They can tell you what you want, but not what you mean. For instance, asked how to reduce diabetes, one bot answered: ‘Kill all the obese’. Again, AI in the military can make decisions about who to target during a conflict without considering the ethical implications. Remember the recent USA ‘rogue AI drone’ that supposedly ‘killed’ its operator?

In addition to these concerns, there’s also the possibility that AIs could pose an existential threat to humanity if they were allowed unchecked access and control over critical in­ frastructure such as nuclear power plants or weapons systems. Such scenarios could lead to catastrophic consequences beyond our ability to comprehend.

AI technology has enormous potential for improving efficiency and productivity across all industries. However, it’s essential that policymakers regulate the use of AI technologies so that it balances benefits with risks. And so help ensure that humans remain firmly in control while reaping maximum benefit from these powerful new tools ­ and double­edged sword. And, finally, dear readers, did you know how certain earlier inventions came about? Did you know, for instance, that women’s corsets led to the invention of the modern umbrella? Or that the hovercraft emerged from an empty cat­food tin? Or how the Internet really came into existence? And do you think there’ll ever be an invention to cure men’s snoring or leaving dirty socks anywhere but the laundry basket?

No, I didn’t think so either…!

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.no ra­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

WHILE I was still in the USA and I know I have written about this place before, but I have to relate a couple of things that happened to me whilst I was there.

I went to see a doctor in Houston and then took a flight to Las Vegas on a small puddle jumper.

That is what they call the planes that fly the short trips. I get in my seat and buckle up ready for my flight. I’m in the window seat. I look up and coming down the aisle is a large man - a very large man! I’m talking omfg large!!

Now let me point out he is not fat ( I’m not even sure I can say that anymore). He is just a huge bloke and of course he manoeuvres into the middle seat next to me. Now I’m not a great chatter on a plane and never have been.

I’m not interested in striking up a conversation with a complete stranger who wants to know my life story. So as soon as I sit in my seat I make myself busy. It used to be reading all the stuff in the seat pocket, including what to do with the sick bag,

Anyway he sits down and within a few minutes he has his head back and is asleep, but he has the whole armrest and is now well into my seat too! So what do you do? Well I’m not well known for my ‘suffering in silence’ abilities so when the cabin crew lady with the trolley asks if I want anything out comes, “Yes a bigger seat please as I’m sharing mine with him”! He looks at me and says, “What’s the matter”? I tell him that he is invading my space ( I’m being American - it’s what they say)

There is no apology. Nothing. Just a big huffing noise and a horrified look from the air hostess. Well, I’m not doing this PC stuff anymore. He moves his arms so I can have my seat to myself. I really don’t get it. Why am I made to feel bad because he is a big guy?

The rest of the flight was OK but I don’t think I’m on his Christmas card list and it was interesting to see the reaction of other people that heard what was going on. What would you have done? I’d be interested to know.

Email me at mikesenker@gmail.com let me have your thoughts.