CSA Online by James Dolan An intelligent guide to artificial intelligence What AI is, what it isn’t and how you can use it to enrich your life What AI is ... and what it isn’t In its most simple conception, artificial intelligence describes computer programs that can think the way we humans can: by identifying patterns, solving problems based on a set of rules or calculations (called an “algorithm”) and then generating an output – an answer to a question, a suggestion or prediction – or taking a predetermined action. What makes AI fundamentally different from other computer programs is that as AI collects more and more inputs and generates more and more outputs, it can learn from the examples that it’s given, and modify or improve its ongoing predictions based on feedback which it receives. This is much the same as a child learning from its experience interacting with the world and receiving feedback from mom and dad about what’s naughty or nice behaviour. A lot of the current buzz about AI concerns the idea of a powerful intelligence that can fully emulate human intelligence (or even surpass it) across a wide range of subjects. One day, AI may have such capabilities but, today, it’s far more likely for AI applications to be trained across a specific area of expertise, or to solve a limited range of problems within a given subject area. Deciding which ads pop up on your computer, for example. Or filling in the background of a digital photo. Or playing a game of chess against you while you’re waiting for your next flight. How AI can enrich our lives Science fiction typically depicts AI as humanoid-like robots or world-destroying supercomputers. The reality of AI is often a little simpler – and a lot more ubiquitous. The fact is, you don’t have to wait for AI to enrich your life. Chances are that it already has: AI-powered fitness apps can track your physical activity, monitor your sleep and build a customized diet and exercise routine based on those inputs. Virtual assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant all use AI to act as your private secretary by setting meetings and reminders, playing your favourite music, reminding you to take an umbrella with you when you leave for work or controlling the lights and thermostats at home. Ever used an online map to figure out the best way to get to the other side of town? These apps use AI to calculate the best way to go and tell you where road construction, traffic jams or other difficulties might hinder your progress. The next time you are scrolling social media or using a music streaming app, be sure to thank AI; it’s been making decisions about new posts or new tunes to share with you based on your past behaviour. If you ever find yourself in a foreign country and need to know how to say “hello,” “thank you” or “where’s the bathroom,” the translation app that you use will be powered by AI. These days, you can’t go too far without reading an article, watching a news segment or listening to some dire warning about artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid development of AI has certainly captured the world’s imagination (along with a whole lot of headlines), while boosting the fortunes of any company or computer engineer remotely connected to it. But beyond the hype, what’s the big deal about AI? How can we use it to enhance our lives? And perhaps most interestingly, how might it change the world in years to come? 42 | www.snowbirds.org
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