What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence, commonly called AI, is a sector of computer science focused on comprehending and replicating human intelligence, imitating human skills such as task completion, processing natural language, and facilitating speech recognition. AI stands at the forefront of technological advancement today, primarily aimed at eradicating monotonous tasks and enabling quick access to highly detailed and specific information and data.
AI can analyze and interpret extensive datasets and recognize patterns to forecast future task completions. Although global interest in AI is on the rise, this scientific progress raises significant concerns regarding employment, businesses, entire sectors, and humanity. In March, a report from Goldman Sachs alerted the public about the job threats posed by AI, specifically mentioning ChatGPT—an AI chatbot created by OpenAI. The findings indicated that occupations characterized by repetitive tasks and specific manual labor roles are vulnerable to automation. The report ultimately estimates that AI could impact 300 million jobs.
What is AI in simple words?
In basic terms, artificial intelligence refers to computer science that can accomplish tasks typically carried out by humans or those that necessitate human intellect. AI utilizes technology to learn and replicate human activities. At present, in specific scenarios, AI can execute human tasks more effectively than we can, which raises concerns about its impact on employment. Although it might appear that AI has only recently gained traction or significance in society, it has been utilized in various ways for many years.
What are the four types of development for AI?
- Reactive Machines
- Limited Memory
- Theory of Mind
- Self-Awareness
1. Reactive Machines
Reactive machines are specialized for specific tasks and represent a fundamental type of AI. They respond to the provided input with consistent output without the capability of learning new ideas. These machines utilize existing datasets to generate recommendations based on prior inputs. A good example of reactive machines can be seen in Netflix’s recommendations section, where the streaming service suggests TV shows and movies to users based on their viewing and search history.
2. Limited Memory
Limited memory comprehends by retaining data that has been previously gathered and learned, thereby creating knowledge for future use based on its observations. A prime example of limited memory is autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles utilize signals and sensors to perceive their environment and make decisions related to driving. These vehicles calculate the locations of pedestrians, traffic signals, and low-light situations to drive more carefully and avoid accidents or driving mistakes.
3. Theory of Mind
The theory of mind refers to the understanding that individuals have thoughts, feelings, emotions, and desires that influence their everyday behaviors and choices. While earlier versions of AI struggled with this concept, recent advancements have been remarkable. For AI to develop a theory of mind, it must recognize that individuals experience feelings and learn to adjust their actions like humans. A human example of the theory of mind is recognizing a wilted plant and knowing that it requires water to thrive. Similarly, for AI to possess a theory of mind, it must be able to make that connection. As of February 2023, AI, specifically ChatGPT, has demonstrated a theory of mind equivalent to that of a 9-year-old child.
4. Self-Awareness
Ultimately, the development of AI will be complete when it reaches self-awareness. Achieving self-awareness in AI is the most complex challenge among all AI types, as it signifies that machines will possess human-level consciousness, emotions, empathy, and the ability to express sympathy. Once a machine attains self-awareness, it can create its own identity. Currently, this level of self-awareness is unattainable. For self-awareness to become a reality, researchers must find a way to duplicate consciousness within a machine.
How is AI being used today?
In April, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a coaching firm based in Chicago, reported that ChatGPT could potentially displace 4.8 million jobs. In particular, ChatGPT is expected to affect routine and predictable positions, such as copywriters, customer service agents, cashiers, data entry personnel, drivers, and others. Professionals holding advanced degrees express the most significant concern about the possibility of AI taking their jobs, with nearly 69% voicing their apprehension, according to a survey by Tidio. While people are increasingly worried about AI, many already utilize it in everyday situations, often without even realizing it. Here are some of the most common and typical ways we use AI.
- Facial recognition
- Social media
- Search engines
- Voice assistants
- Smart devices
- Software with recommendations
1. Facial recognition
Law enforcement agencies predominantly utilize facial recognition technology to identify offenders and evaluate potential risks. People also regularly use it to unlock smart devices and receive photo tag suggestions on platforms like Facebook.
2. Social media
Identifying breaches of community standards, employing facial recognition, and utilizing translation tools for interpreting languages are just a few ways social media integrates with AI.
3. Voice assistants
Examples of voice assistants that utilize AI include Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Siri. These assistants rely on natural language processing and can analyze user patterns and behaviors to remember preferences and deliver relevant results. The more frequently they are used, the better the voice assistant becomes at learning.
4. Smart devices
Smart home devices are employed for various purposes, including securing and monitoring your residence. Technologies such as Ring doorbells and Nest security systems utilize AI to identify movement and notify homeowners. Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa also fall under the category of smart devices.
5. Search engines
Platforms like Google, Bing, and Baidu utilize AI to enhance users’ search experience. The systems provide recommended content based on the initial search terms each time a user searches. To deliver optimal results, search engines employ natural language processing, a subset of AI, to understand search intent.
For instance, entering “rose” might yield results related to pink wine rosé, the flower rose, the singer Rose, or the verb ‘rose.’ When users add context to their queries, AI synthesizes the information and offers relevant suggestions.
If you search for “Marylin Monrow,” Google’s advanced algorithms will prompt corrections and present results for “Marilyn Monroe.“ Search engines leverage AI to interpret spelling, context, language, and more to effectively meet user needs.
Additionally, AI facilitates the swift adjustment of search results. With trillions of searches conducted annually, the human capacity to sift through results is limited – but AI excels in this area.
6. Software with recommendations
After a tiring day at work, when you settle down on the couch to enjoy some Netflix, you’re utilizing AI to help you select your next TV show or movie. When you access Instagram or Facebook and see a suggested list of potential new friends or followers, you’re witnessing the influence of AI. When you launch your Google Maps app and search for “gas,” you use AI to simplify your life.
What is narrow AI? (ANI)
Artificial narrow intelligence, called ANI, is known as “Weak“ AI. ANI systems are designed to perform specific or limited tasks and starkly contrast to strong AI systems, which can manage various activities. Examples of ANI include Siri from Apple, Netflix’s recommendation system, and weather applications that provide daily or weekly forecasts. Although Siri can assist with various functions such as making calls, sending texts, playing music, and managing smart device shortcuts, it faces challenges with tasks outside its defined scope. As stated by deepAI.org, ANI systems lack self-awareness and do not possess accurate intelligence. ANI uses datasets containing specific information to execute tasks and cannot extend their capabilities beyond the provided data. While systems like Siri demonstrate advanced functionalities, they do not achieve consciousness, sentience, or self-awareness. In a Fox News Digital Opinion article, Ben Goertzel, a specialist in Artificial General Intelligence, remarked, “LLMs have a broader set of capabilities than previous narrow AIs, but this breadth is limited.“ He further explained, “They cannot intelligently reason beyond their experience base. They only appear broadly capable because their enormous training base covers almost every aspect of human endeavor.”
What is general AI? (AGI)
Artificial general intelligence – or AGI – is AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can, according to medium.com. AGI capabilities vary from consciousness to self-awareness. In the Pixar animation film “Wall-E,“ the sad, lonely robot meets another, Eve, and they fall in love. In this film, while the characters are sentient, they are AGI systems. In addition to “Wall-E,“ the 2013 film “Her“ stars Joaquin Phoenix. “Her“ is also an AGI system as she outgrows her first owner and goes out to be alone.
What is super AI? (ASI)
Artificial superintelligence, commonly called ASI, is a form of AI many people find concerning. It will exceed human intelligence in various areas, including creativity, self-awareness, and problem-solving. Should ASI ever be developed, it could gain sentience. Although there are apprehensions about AI achieving sentience, such advancements are still many years away. During the SXSW tech conference in Austin, Texas, in 2018, Elon Musk voiced his worries regarding AI and the necessity for regulations concerning the advancement of ASI.
What is generative AI?
Generative artificial intelligence refers to technology capable of creating various types of content, such as text, images, and more. Generative AI systems, including chatbots, can perform numerous tasks like composing stories or recipes, responding to human inquiries, and facilitating product and service orders. Notable examples of generative AI include chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bard, Tongyi Qianwen, and Ernie Bot. In March 2023, Musk and other AI professionals like Steve Wozniak, Emad Mostaque, researchers from Alphabet-owned DeepMind, Yoshua Bengio, and Stuart Russell signed a letter expressing concerns about advanced AI technologies. The letter stated, “Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable.“ Computer applications that utilize AI and natural language processing are anticipated to affect the workforce significantly. Students are utilizing generative AI to write essays and finish their homework. Although it has its advantages, generative AI is also prone to bias, and there are concerns about it becoming overly human-like as it evolves.