Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come a long way since its inception in 1955. Machines processing and executing data was mere science fiction before computer scientists made it into reality.
Today, we’re living in a modern world with AI at the forefront of technology.
From making tough decisions and carrying out complex tasks like actual humans, artificial intelligence has come a long way. Some people even believe that AI can take over and change the world. But can it?
Knowing More About AI
Chances are you’ve heard and read about AI after its mainstream explosion in the past decade. Ever since machines were made smarter, many people thought AI is the world’s savior. Some even believe that it can end civilization as it slowly takes over people’s jobs and lives.
Just by hearing the term ‘AI’ can already attract a lot of hype and hysteria. People are making out-of-this-world exaggerations when it comes to AI as its capabilities continue to evolve and improve.
However, unlike other technology trends, much of the razzle-dazzle surrounding AI is entirely justified. It’s truly a revolutionary technology that has the potential to drastically change people’s lives in multiple ways.
Are you one of those that are still in doubt? Here are five reasons why AI is going to change the world in 2021 and beyond:
AI is Everywhere!
AI is all around us. From our smartphones to work to anywhere we go, artificial intelligence has invaded every facet of our daily lives. Don’t believe me? Ask Alexa, Bixby, or Siri.
Have you been to the supermarket? You might wonder how the door opens and closes automatically at the exact time someone passes through it.
Have you bought online using your credit card? Did you get recommendations on a product you just checked on Amazon?
Are you finding potential love mates on dating apps? Have you ever wondered how spray painting robots work? From the simplest to the most complex concepts, many things are driven by artificial intelligence.
With AI, your credit card company will know if you’re making legit or fraudulent transactions. For example, credit card companies use AI algorithms to determine if your latest transaction fits your usual spending pattern. It will let them know if another person is using your credit card. Mastercard, for instance, uses AI to assess a whopping 75 billion credit card transactions a year.
Transforming Industries as We Speak
Artificial intelligence isn’t just affecting our everyday lives; it’s also transforming different industries. In fact, the influence and reach of AI cover banking, farming, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and more.
In the healthcare industry, for example, artificial intelligence is used to diagnose a condition. This level of convenience helps healthcare providers improve treatment options while also assisting patients in making better lifestyle decisions.
In some cases, artificial intelligence can even outperform human experts in determining diseases or performing intricate operations. In fact, Google Health, a branch of the leading technology company focusing on keeping records of health data, developed an AI software that spots signs of breast cancer.
As of January 2020, that AI software could spot breast cancer symptoms at a much faster rate than actual radiologists. The system also made fewer mistakes than experts.
Making Our Lives Better
While most people are open to AI’s influence, some are very skeptical about it. These people are afraid that AI will soon dominate and take over the world, leaving humanity to go extinct.
Before your sci-fi-induced mind takes over your way of thinking, let me make things clear. Yes, AI will take over the world – but in a good way, that benefits us human beings.
As machines become smarter, they can process more data and carry out more tasks. This innovation will lead to more opportunities for automation across many industries.
The rapid increase in AI-driven automation does come with serious downsides, like a decrease in jobs. However, I believe that it will create new opportunities as well. At the same time, it can also make work easier and more convenient.
To put things into perspective, Journalism is an area that’s experiencing a complete AI revolution. Right now, many AI tools are helping journalists write better stories. Forbes, for instance, has a content management system called ‘Bertie.’
Bertie is an AI system programmed to identify topics that are trending in real-time. She’s kind of like the trending list on Twitter but is better and more robust. Bertie can also help write compelling headlines, identify relevant images on news articles, and more.
Her presence at Forbes has made life easier for journalists since she does most of the heavy work. Now, journalists can focus more on telling the story and not have to worry about any behind-the-scenes legwork ever again.
More Affordable and Accessible
Not long ago, artificial intelligence was associated with the term ‘expensive technology.’ Before, you need to have the funds and a team of computer scientists to take advantage of what AI brings to the table.
But that’s no longer the case today, as AI’s popularity made it available to anyone. Even small business owners are making use of AI to run their operations.
Facebook, for instance, allows businesses to engage and interact with their followers on their platform via bots. Even the most inexperienced person can program chatbots to reply to customer chats before you can reply with a personal message.
Another example is Amazon’s “Personalize,” an AI-based service launched in 2019. This technology helps businesses provide tailored customer recommendations and search results much like Facebook targeted ads.
What’s more incredible is that, like Facebook bots, no prior AI experience is needed to use the technology.
The Foundation of Other Technology Trends
Here’s something that will blow your mind: AI is the building block that paves the way for other technology trends to develop.
To put it bluntly, we wouldn’t experience chatbots, virtual reality, robotics, facial recognition, and other modern-day tech without artificial intelligence. Just think of any recent technological breakthrough, and you’d immediately realize that AI played a role in making it happen.
For example, medical researchers today use artificial intelligence to analyze and sequence genes. This technology is used to identify and tailor medicines and therapies that are effective for individual patients.
Conclusion
AI will surely be the technology that will make a significant societal transformation on a global scale. Right now, the sky’s the limit for artificial intelligence, and its capabilities. It’s changing our world as we speak and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
