Introduction: Understanding the AI to understand our future
We live in an era where artificial intelligence comes silently in our daily lives: we recommend the movie, it corrects our text, recognizes faces in photos, and even driving cars. And yet, around this concept, there is still a lot of confusion. What really is AI? It is an artificial mind? It is more intelligent than us? Or is it just a technology, like so many others, that we can use and adjust?
To understand what is (and is not), the artificial intelligence is the first step to take informed the challenges of the present and of the future. It means dismantling the myths, to recognize the limitations, and take advantage of the real potential of this technology.
What is artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that focuses on creating systems able to perform tasks that, until recently, required human intelligence. This may include image recognition, understanding natural language, and the strategic game (like chess) or the analysis of large amounts of data.
There is no single definition and shared, but we can say that the AI is a set of algorithms and techniques that try to mimic — in a more or less sophisticated — some cognitive functions of the man. This is not an “artificial consciousness” or a thinking being, but the tools are very advanced, powered by data and statistical rules.
Types of artificial intelligence
IA weak (or narrow)
It is a form of IA, today more and more widespread. It is designed to perform specific tasks: a voice assistant, a machine translation system, a recommendation algorithm. Is “weak”, not because it is not very powerful, but because it has no consciousness, intentionality, or general understanding of the world.
IA strong (hypothetical)
The AI strong is a concept that is still theoretical. Indicates an AI capable of thinking independently and to have a form of consciousness that is similar (or superior) to that of human beings. No system exists today is really a IA strong. However, this scenario raises many philosophical discussions, and ethical.
IA generative
In recent years, the AI generative has been in the news thanks to models like ChatGPT, FROM·AND or Midjourney. These systems are able to create new content — text, images, music — starting from a user input. Do not “think” or “create” how would a human being, but act on the information learned from the data.
What AI can (and can't) do
The AI can do a lot. Can analyze massive amounts of data in a very short time, to recognize patterns that are invisible to the human eye, automate processes, translate texts, suggest solutions.
But the AI also has important limitations:
- Not truly understand what that process. The language models do not “understand” the meaning of the words as us.
- Has no consciousness, intentions, or emotions.
- Can't distinguish between true and false, right and wrong, if not based on the data and the criteria that have been provided.
- It can be influenced by prejudices, errors and distortions present in the data on which it was trained.
In other words, the AI is powerful but blind: it is to be driven, regulated and understood.
The artificial intelligence is not just a technical question: every decision unattended can have real consequences on people and rights. If you are interested in this aspect, we investigate here: Ethics of artificial intelligence: why it concerns us all.
The most common myths about the AI
“The AI we will steal all the jobs”
It is true that automation can replace some tasks, especially repetitive ones. But the AI can also create new opportunities, professions and skills. The problem is not AI in of itself, but as the company manages the change.
“The AI understands everything”
No. The AI does not “understand” like a human. Recognises patterns, makes predictions, but does not have a semantic understanding authentic. It may seem smart, but it is only appearance.
“The AI is neutral”
Algorithms are never neutral. Reflect the data on which they were trained — and these data may contain bias, inequality, and prejudice. AI can amplify social problems if not designed and tested with attention.
“The AI become sentient”
To date, there is no scientific evidence that the IA to be close to the development of a conscience. It is a theme more from science fiction by the applied technology.
The role of algorithms and data
At the base of the IA, there are two fundamental elements: algorithms and data.
Algorithms are the instructions that tell the machine what to do. They are written by programmers and engineers, often with the support of complex mathematical models.
The data are the “fuel” of AI. A system can learn only what is in the data. If the data are unbalanced, incomplete, or distorted, the AI will act accordingly.
For this reason it is essential to:
- Use data quality, representative and up-to-date
- Be transparent about the algorithms, when possible;
- Establish the limits of the ethical and regulatory standards in the use of AI.
Conclusion: why do we need a critical understanding of the IA
The artificial intelligence is not magic, nor the threat of apocalyptic. It is a powerful technology, that needs to be understood to be used with responsibility. The more we know about how it works, the more we will be able to make informed choices as citizens, workers, educators, or simple digital users.
Need an education spread to her, not only for those designs, but for those who live it every day, without realizing it.
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