Greetings!
Below are the findings from my research on Artificial Intelligence. The research questions were:
- Explain the tech; what is it, how does it work, what hardware, software, and network does it need?
Is it currently available to the public? - Who (or what) invented or pioneered the technology?
- What “problem” does it solve for its users?
- Are there any potential drawbacks or dangers of using the tech?
- Offer one example of how widespread adoption of this technology might impact society.
Artificial Intelligence refers to computers that are capable of performing complex tasks that previously in the past only humans could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems. It works by using Machine Learning and Deep Learning to perform given tasks. Machine Learning uses algorithms trained on data sets to create self-learning models that are capable of predicting outcomes and classifying information without human intervention. Deep Learning is a branch of machine learning that is based on artificial neural network architecture; the artificial neural network uses layers of interconnected nodes that work together to process and learn from the input data. AI, but especially Deep Learning, requires powerful GPUs, large amounts of RAM, and fast storage to handle the data and perform the necessary computations. There are AI applications available to the public, but also some that are used in private organizations, and some only available to personal users.
Alan Turing is commonly known as the person who did the earliest known research of AI technology. He described in 1935 the “Turing Machine”, not a machine in the regular sense but rather a mathematical model that reduces the logical structure of any computing device to its essentials. This would become the basis for all subsequent digital computers. In 1950, he introduced the Turing Test, a practical test for determining computer intelligence, which is still a standard in determining computer intelligence today.
The biggest problems that AI solves for its users are:
Automating Tasks and Processes
AI is does extremely well handling mundane, repetitive tasks that are time-consuming and error-prone for humans. This includes data entry, scheduling, report generation, and even basic customer service inquiries.
Data Analysis and Insights
AI can analyze vast datasets to identify trends and patterns that would be difficult for humans to see, and even be used to make predictions about future events. This can be applied in many fields, but especially finance to detect fraudulent activity or in healthcare to identify potential disease outbreaks.
Communication and Interaction
Because AI can recognize human language, this can used in chatbots that can provide customer service or virtual assistants that can automate tasks based on spoken instructions. It can also tailor recommendations for websites, personalize learning experiences for students, and even generate different kinds of text content like poems or scripts.
There are a few potential drawbacks, and even dangers, of using AI. Some of these are:
- Lack of Transparency – Particularly in deep learning models, which can be complex and difficult to interpret, lack of transparency is a critical issue. When people cannot see how the AI system came to its conclusions, it leads to distrust of the technology.
- Bias and Discrimination – AI systems can inadvertently show biases of the data or the algorithmic design. To avoid this, the developers of the AI should be sure to train the AI with unbiased material.
- Security Risks – As AI Technologies become more sophisticated, the security risks with their use and possible misuse also increase. Hackers and malicious actors can harness AI to develop more advanced cyberattacks, bypass security measures, and exploit system flaws.
One example of how widespread adoption of AI might impact society is improving learning experiences. It can personalize the learning experience for different individuals, provide specific recommendations for students, and even identify knowledge gaps to better improve academic outcomes.
I hope you enjoyed reading my final blog post. God bless you all!
~Katie
Sources:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-artificial-intelligence
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/business/software/what-is-ai/
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-machine-learning
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/introduction-deep-learning/
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/hardware-requirements-for-artificial-intelligence/
https://www.makeuseof.com/public-ai-vs-private-ai-vs-personal-ai-whats-the-difference/
https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-artificial-intelligence
https://www.britannica.com/technology/Turing-machine
https://stefanini.com/en/insights/news/what-problems-can-artificial-intelligence-help-us-solve