TITLE: What is AI? AUTHOR: Eddie S. Jackson, MrNetTek DATE: January 16, 2020 at 6:14 AM EST RESEARCH: Google search, current news, books, Copilot. EDITING: Grammarly
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that focuses on building and managing technology. Any proficient AI can learn to autonomously make decisions and carry out actions on behalf of a human. AI is also known as machine intelligence, as opposed to natural intelligence, which is displayed by animals or humans. AI can simulate human intelligence by software-coded heuristics, which are the rules of thumb or shortcuts that help AI solve problems.
AI has many applications and subfields, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning. ML is the process of training a computer system to learn from datasets and improve its performance without explicit programming, or any form of human intervention. Machine learning can use various techniques, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, depending on the type and availability of data and the desired outcome. Deep learning (DL) is a type of machine learning that uses simulated neural networks, which are inspired by the structure and function of the human brain (emphasis on inspired by). These neural networks process large amounts of data and perform complex tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and speech synthesis. DL can use different architectures, such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and generative adversarial networks, depending on the task and the domain. If this sounds complex, that’s because it is. The fields of AI are built upon advanced mathematics, progressive programming, state-of-the-art hardware, and even abstractions of philosophy (ever heard of Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics”?).
AI has a significant impact on society, both positive and negative (movies tend to focus on the negative for dramatic effect). Some of the benefits of AI include enhancing productivity, efficiency, innovation, and creativity in various domains, such as education, health care, entertainment, and business. AI can also help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, like climate change, poverty, and disease. For example, AI can help monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide access to quality education and health care for underserved populations, and discover new drugs and vaccines. However, some of the challenges and risks of AI include ethical, social, legal, and economic issues, such as privacy, security, accountability, bias, discrimination, unemployment, and inequality. AI can also pose threats to human dignity, autonomy, and rights if it is misused or abused by malicious actors or rogue states. AI also raises philosophical questions about the nature and value of human intelligence, consciousness, and free will. For example, AI can challenge the notion of what it means to be human or to have a soul if it can replicate or even surpass human abilities or emotions. If you use social media, you will see a divided community on the artistic and creative uses of AI.
AI is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform the world in many ways. However, it also requires careful consideration and regulation to ensure that it is used for good, and not used for evil. Therefore, it is important for researchers, developers, policymakers, and users of AI to collaborate and communicate with each other to ensure that AI is aligned with human values and goals. It is also essential for society to educate itself about the benefits and risks of AI and to engage in informed and responsible decision-making regarding its development and deployment.
I am excited to see AI is finally mainstream (maybe it will receive more funding), but I am also careful not to jump on the hype bandwagon. Each evolution of AI has to prove its worth. Be cognizant of the fact that there is a lot of puffery centered on generative AI, and that much of what is being advertised is commercial fraud. I tell everyone, ask for a demo; use AI; test AI. You will see the boundaries and the inherit limitations, especially with generative AI. AI is not anything to fear, but educating yourself on the facts is imperative. As for an AI uprising, usually propagated by doomsayers, there is no evidence to support such a claim.
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Tags: Artificial Intelligence, MrNetTek, Eddie Jackson Computer, AI
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