As AI becomes more and more ingrained in our everyday lives, it’s important to remember that it’s a tool, not a one-stop shop solution to all of life’s problems. Many things require the touch of a human. AI can get a lot of things wrong. When using it, it’s essential to vet the information it gives you.
Three novice climbers used AI to make a plan to climb Mount Shasta in Northern California. Mount Shasta is 14,000 feet tall and a challenging climb. Following AI’s advice, they didn’t have enough food, water, clothing or emergency supplies.
Later, they said that they “relied too much on AI rather than our own critical thinking.”
Following advice gathered from AI, YouTube and the AllTrails mapping app, they assumed it would take them eight hours to reach the summit. It took them 16. AI also told them to carry only simple carbs, as other food takes too long to digest. The three men did not consult Mount Shasta Avalanche Center for trail conditions or safety info.
They reached the summit at seven at night and started to descend an hour later. The phone they were using for directions died. Then one of them turned off his headlamp to conserve its battery but fell and injured his knee. They had to stop and make camp at 11,000 feet without overnight supplies.
While rescuers attempted to help them in a helicopter evacuation, high winds and hostile terrain made it impossible. Instead, rangers and search and rescue hiked up to them in the morning to give them aid and help them back to the trailhead.
The hikers said they relied heavily on Google's Gemini for planning. They did have the good sense to call for help at 9 PM as they lost their way during their descent. They wandered off the path and into Mud Creek Canyon.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office called trusting AI’s planning, a “critical misstep” and said climbers should get info from the local authorities when summiting Mount Shasta. Had the men talked to locals, they would have known the noon turnaround rule. If a hiker hasn’t reached the summit by noon, they should turn back so they aren’t descending in the dark. A person should also have multiple tools for navigation. A phone can be helpful, but batteries die. So having a physical map and checking it regularly matters.
Hikers have died on Mount Shasta. It’s not an easy walk for novice hikers. It takes planning and skill to do it safely. It’s great that rangers and search and rescue could help these men get back safely. But this story could have had a tragic ending. When planning a hike, use all the resources at your disposal and avoid relying on AI.
