by Jacek Korneluk

Have you ever thought about how AI is becoming an integral part of our lives? It’s like we are surrounded by it, even if we don’t always notice it. Artificial Intelligence 1(Frankenfield, J.2023), or AI for short, is almost everywhere, and it’s altering the way we interact with technology and our lives as well. So, let’s dive into this fascinating or for some readers controversial topic and explore how AI has become an integral part of our daily lives.

Have you ever used voice assistants like Siri, Cortana, Bixby, or Alexa?

They’re model examples of AI in action. These smart virtual assistants use natural language processing (NLP) 2(Frankenfield, J.2022) and machine learning (ML) 3(IBM, 2023) algorithms to understand our questions (inputs) and provide us with relevant and usually quality information (outputs). Whether it’s setting reminders, playing music, or answering our personal questions, AI usually is making our lives easier and more convenient. So, now you may be a little bit more familiar with the term .IO as well (input/output).

AI is even slowly managing to reduce an accent problem, how awesome – thank you AI!

But AI doesn’t stop there. It is also present in our social media feeds and streaming movies helping us discover content that aligns with our interests.

The algorithms behind platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix, Stan, or whatever is available on the market analyse our browsing habits and engagement patterns to curate personalised content. It’s like having a digital personal agent or assistant that knows our preferences and caters to our interests. Pretty cool, but same time sometimes irritating in my opinion (IMO). It depends, overall, we are and like to be human. Not everyone agrees and is comfortable with the mantra “We know better what is good for you”. For sure not me. But I certainly agree with the second mantra “AI is here to stay”.

You might be thinking, “Okay, but what about those annoying spam emails? Surely, has AI a hand in that too?” And you’re right! AI algorithms play a significant role in filtering out spam and junk emails, making sure our inboxes remain clutter-free. AI analyse various factors, such as email content, sender reputation, and user behaviour, to determine which emails are legitimate and which ones are just spam, scam, or junk.

Artificial Intelligence has even revolutionised the way we shop online. Ever noticed those “Recommended for you” sections on e-commerce websites? Those recommendations are powered by AI algorithms that analyse our browsing and purchasing history and habits to suggest products we might be interested in. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows our style and preferences, helping us discover new and exciting things. As good as a clever wife’s advice…, and a bit of manipulation as well, but I may be wrong.

But it’s not just in consumer applications where AI shines. AI also making a significant impact in industries like healthcare, finance, politics, and transportation.

In healthcare, AI is helping to analyse medical data and assist in diagnosing all sorts of diseases. It can help doctors make more accurate diagnostic decisions and therefore improve patient outcomes.

In finance, AI algorithms analyse market trends and predict stock prices, helping investors make informed decisions on how to use their funds. And in transportation, AI powers self-driving cars, making our roads at least theoretically safer and minimising the risk of accidents. About politics, I stay silent. Everyone is empowered by different theories about that matter. Let’s, respect it.

You see, AI is not some distant, futuristic concept. It’s already deeply ingrained in our lives, making things more convenient, efficient, and personalised. From the early moment we wake up and touch our smartphones to the moment we go to bed and set our alarm clocks, AI is there, silently working in the background to enhance our daily experiences.

Now, you might be wondering, “How does AI actually work?” Well, it’s a complex field, but let me break it down using a simple analogy. Think of AI as a team of highly intelligent scientists. These scientists are constantly gathering information, analysing patterns, and making cross-connections. They learn from their experiences and use that knowledge to solve new problems.

Imagine you’re a detective investigating a series of crimes. You analyse the evidence, identify patterns, and create a profile of the suspect. The more cases you solve, the better you become at recognising patterns and predicting future criminal behaviour. AI works similarly. It’s trained (thought) on vast amounts of data, and through a process called machine learning, it learns to quickly pick patterns and make statistically based judgements and predictions.

So, the next time you use your smartphone, scroll through your social media feed or receive a personalised recommendation, remember that AI is at work behind the scenes, making it all possible. It’s like having a helpful companion that understands your needs and preferences, even if we don’t always consciously acknowledge its presence.

Now, I know that the idea of AI might seem a bit daunting, overwhelming, or even scary at times. You might be concerned about the potential risks and ethical considerations surrounding its development. So, do I.

That’s completely understandable. It’s important to have as many open discussions about the responsible use of AI as possible to address any concerns we may have. Also, to make our impact on further AI creation and the paths of AI evolution. Remember, people who do not see anything, and do not say anything usually have no rights, they can only criticise as post-factum.

But let’s not forget the tremendous benefits AI brings to our lives. It has the power to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making processes, and create highly personalised experiences. AI has the potential to revolutionise industries, drive innovation, and unlock new possibilities.

All of us to stay informed and up to date educated about AI. By understanding its capabilities, limitations, and potential impact, we can actively participate in shaping its future. Ask questions, explore resources, and engage in conversations about AI. I am here to help you every step of the way on this exciting journey.

As we move forward, AI will continue to evolve and integrate further into our lives. We’ll witness advancements in natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. We’ll see AI being used in fields of education, agriculture, environmental conservation, and the military, I guess. The possibilities are endless.

So, embrace the AI-powered world we live in. Embrace the convenience and innovation it brings. But also, let’s remain vigilant and ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly and ethically.

Furthermore, let’s appreciate the wonders of AI, engage in conversations, and continue learning about its possibilities and implications. Together, we can navigate this AI-powered landscape and unlock its full potential. The future is bright, and AI is here to stay. Embrace it, explore it, and let’s embark on this incredible journey together!

Also remember, AI is not just a technology; it’s a reflection of our human ingenuity, dexterity, and desire some people desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible or what’s not at the moment (ATM). So, let’s celebrate responsibly and the same time be aware of the AI-driven world we live. Let’s hope it will work to our liking and we will embrace the endless opportunities it brings.

And the last and paramount, do not put your head under the sand and pretend that AI does not exist.

References:

1. Frankenfield, J. (2023) Artificial Intelligence: What it is and how it is used, Investopedia. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/artificial-intelligence-ai.asp (Accessed: 11 June 2023).

2. Frankenfield, J. (2022) Introduction to natural language processing (NLP), Investopedia. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/natural-language-processing-nlp.asp (Accessed: 11 June 2023).

3. What is machine learning? Available at: https://www.ibm.com/topics/machine-learning  (Accessed: 11 June 2023).

Originally published at https://spektrumlab.io on Jun 11, 2023.