With every new technology, people tend to get the hang of it slowly. But first, crazy myths about what it can and can’t do fly around, some downright absurd. That’s the same with artificial intelligence (AI), the new “all-knowing” tech.
Before we could give prompts to Open AI’s ChatGPT or test our creativity with AI generative models like DALL-E, our idea of artificial intelligence was pretty much what pop culture taught us. Films like Metropolis, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, and Terminator had the plot of AI being this uncontrollable technology that leads us to doomsday.
On the other hand, movies like Star Wars brought us lovable AI characters like R2-D2 and C-3PO who were friendly assistants. Lieutenant Commander Data, from the popular film Star Trek, is also depicted as a wise and sensitive AI, who’s a valuable member of the Enterprise Crew.
Only time will tell whether AI is a good or evil tool. For now, its impact on our day-to-day lives can’t be understated. By debunking common myths about AI, you can leverage its potential and see the wonders it can do for your business or personal activities.
Here are some myths you’ve probably heard about AI.
1. Artificial Intelligence is ChatGPT
Open AI’s ChatGPT is indeed one of the most popular artificial intelligence models, but it’s just one example of what this technology can do. ChatGPT is an impressive large language model that generates human-like responses to prompts provided by the user. In a broader context, artificial intelligence is a technology that has various applications like machine learning for prediction and description, natural language processing, casual analytics, and robotics.
2. Artificial Intelligence Will Replace Human Labor Completely
Maybe you’ve been hesitant to adopt AI because of the common myth that it will leave you and many other people jobless. Yes, artificial intelligence will replace some jobs, but not in the way many people assume. A big part of what makes us humans is our creativity and ability to be innovative, something we still have an upper hand.
While AI can automate repetitive tasks, help in manufacturing processes and even diagnosis, complex tasks that require critical thinking and emotional intelligence are best handled by you. Think of AI as a tool that can boost productivity and make work efficient. In the long run, it will leave you with more time to do the things you love and enjoy doing.
3. AI Is for The Technically Skilled Only
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing are all buzzwords that most people might not be familiar with. However, that’s the backend side of AI and is best left to the tech experts.
For everyday folk, how we interact with AI is quite simple and we encounter this technology on a daily basis. Have your shopping recommendations become more to your liking? What about your social feed, have you noticed that it has become more refined? That’s AI at work. Your online experience is becoming more personalized for you.
AI models like ChatGPT, MidJourney, Gemini, and DALL-E have made it easy for users to interact with them through a friendly interface. You can enter prompts that will help you solve queries or create pictures or videos that push the limits of creativity.
4. AI Is “All-Knowing” and Can Offer Predictions
Yes, AI can work faster than the human brain and analyze huge chunks of data quickly giving you a response in seconds or minutes, but it isn’t “all-knowing.” The technology uses complex algorithms and taps into a large dataset to generate feedback, so credit goes to the engineers developing these high-level algorithms.
Since AI can analyze vast amounts of data fast, a faction of hopeful people tries to test its skill in interesting sectors like gaming. Can AI analyze patterns or data of games like casino games and offer a prediction on the next round? The answer is no. The next spin on slot machines or rounds at online roulette remains unpredictable.
But AI can help you sharpen your betting strategies and skills when it comes to placing wagers. Other than that, playing at online roulette sites or poker sites still remains heavily dependent on luck.
5. AI Can Surpass Human Intelligence and Take Over
There’s a fear that artificial intelligence will ultimately take over and usher in a new era of robot domination. At the moment, what we have is narrow AI or weak AI, a type of artificial intelligence that can only perform a limited set of tasks. Experts have been improving its technology to make it more accurate and generate a more refined response.
The next stages, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), are thought to possess superior capabilities that could potentially pose a threat. But all this remains a fictional concept rather than a proven idea as we are yet to reach there. Although Sam Altman hinted at the possibility of achieving AGI by 2025, he also downplayed its significance and urged for measured expectations.
As we continue to unravel and understand more about artificial intelligence, which other interesting myths have you heard about?
