What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the broad concept of machines being able to carry out tasks in an intelligent manner. It is a field made up of many different technologies like machine learning, neural networks, robotics, and natural language processing. AI is the overarching idea that allows machines to mimic human thought and behavior.

Overall, AI is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to revolutionize various industries and aspects of our lives. It offers opportunities for innovation, automation, and enhanced decision-making, but also raises ethical and societal considerations that need to be carefully addressed.

What are examples of AI in everyday life?

AI seems to be everywhere these days! Here are some of the ways that it might impact your daily life:

• Smart assistants like Siri and Alexa help with tasks
• Apps that know your tastes and give suggestions
• Home devices that self-adjust temp and lights
• Social media feeds curated just for you
• Chatbots that answer questions instantly
• Maps and GPS for optimized driving routes
• Online shopping sites that recommend purchases
• Email spam blockers learning what's unwanted
• Medical care tailored to individuals' needs

To learn more about AI, see: BBC News. (2023, July 24). What is AI? A simple guide to help you understand artificial intelligence - BBC News. News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-74697280-e684-43c5-a782-29e9d11fecf3Links to an external site.

It's important to recognize that AI is already integrated into much of the technology we use daily, quietly working in the background to personalize and automate aspects of our routines. While these conveniences are appealing, they also come with risks if we let our guard down. As AI capabilities advance, we must remain mindful to use them deliberately as helpful tools and not hand over control blindly. With knowledge and critical thinking, we can harness AI's potential (when appropriate) while safeguarding our principles and integrity.

What is generative AI?

Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that is designed to create new and original content, such as images, music, or text. It uses complex algorithms and models to generate these creations based on patterns and examples it has been trained on.

Different types of generative AI can be used to create different kinds of content.

• • • Transformer models, like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing, are used for creating textual output.
    • Diffusion models, such as Dall-E, Bing Image Creator, and Midjourney, are used to produce images. 
    • Other models that produce audio and video