Although Artificial Intelligence or AI may sound like a very futuristic technology, the truth is that it is already part of our lives, but not only that, it influences much of our decisions and the content we consume. But not only that, it influences a large part of our decisions and the content we consume. Do you want to know more?
It is true that AI is often associated with robots. However, this is not necessarily true. In fact, AI has developed mostly in the form of software. The principle is the combination of algorithms applied to machines that exhibit human-like characteristics.
According to computer experts Stuart Rusell and Peter Norvig, there are different types of AI: those that think like humans (e.g. artificial neural networks), those that act like humans (e.g. robots), systems that think rationally and systems that act rationally.
In general, the most common AI systems are those that “think like humans,” which are in charge of automating decisions, solving problems and, above all, learning. Now, how and why are they in our daily lives?
HOW IS AI PRESENT IN OUR DAILY LIVES?
AI is present in practically all our daily activities that involve technology. For example, facial recognition on our smartphone is AI. Likewise, assistants such as Siri or Google’s assistant also rely on this technology to recognise voice, and perform searches and actions. But not only those on the phone tukif, but also those in the home.
According to a study by HP Development Company, in the United States, one in three households uses a smart speaker. Similarly, 81% of them have a voice assistant. These work thanks to what is known as PLN, or natural language processing, and are able to recognise and respond to commands.
In that sense, what is known as the Internet of Things also relies on AI to function. All smart appliances in the home can be connected to each other, thereby automating processes and making life easier.
AI ON THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL NETWORKS
Another application of AI that we can see every day is on the internet and social media. When we search for something on Google, and the text predicts what we mean, it is also AI. The predictive search engine uses the information it knows about you and users who look like you (taking into account age, location, likes, etc.) and guesses what you want to say.
It’s a similar idea to what online shops, such as Amazon, use to collect your information, shopping habits and more to personalise your experience. Speaking of personalisation, social networks also use similar programmes to select content that “looks” like you, content that interests you, and of course, advertising. The idea is to create an experience tailored to you. By the way, this is also done by streaming and music platforms, they get to know your taste to suggest the songs you like the most (although sometimes they fail).
As we can see, AI is more present in our lives than we imagine. However, beyond these uses, this technology is already present in fields such as art and writing. We still don’t know how far it will go, and whether we will like the result or whether we will soon be in a dystopia… Or are we already in one?