Will AI Take Over the World?

YES! and it probably already has.

The original ideas of artificial intelligence can be traced back to the 1950s with Alan Turing’s seminal paper “Computing Machinery and Intelligence”, which proposed the concept of a machine that could simulate human intelligence.

Only 6 years later, the Dartmouth Conference coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” and proposed the ambitious goal of creating machines that could perform any task that required human intelligence. This idea set the tone for the conference and for much of the AI research to come.

In the decades that followed, several advancements in computer algorithms were achieved, but it wasn’t until the 80s and 90s, with advancements in computer technology, that AI research shifted toward machine learning. Early AI relied on a rule-based system, or a series of if-then statements:

if (a user asks this question “What is the

best episode of Gunsmoke?”) {

then (use this answer “Episode 124:

Crowbait Bob”)

}

This approach limited the questions and answers to only those that had been inputted into the system.

Machine learning, on the other hand, meant that algorithms could teach computers, not just tell them what to do. This learned approach allowed the machines to not only learn, but take things one step further and make predictions based on that knowledge.

The machines could analyze the data they had been taught and output not just canned answers, but completely original responses based on ALL the data they learned.

YOU:

What is the best episode of Gunsmoke?

AI:

Based on a quick search, here’s what I found.

Determining the “best” episode of “Gunsmoke” is subjective and varies among fans and critics. However, fan ratings on IMDb provide insight into some of the most popular episodes of the series:

Smartphones, social media, online shopping and even banks already use AI on a regular basis.

Each of these episodes reflects a blend of compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and the unique Western ambiance that “Gunsmoke” is known for. While “The Gallows” stands out with the highest rating, the appeal of each episode can vary based on individual preferences for storylines and characters​​.

Modern AI can not only come up with more detailed, original answers, but it is able to use real language to answer. Modern AI, especially machine learning and deep learning models, can learn from data, adapt over time, and make decisions or predictions based on their learning.

Okay, so how is this going to take over the world?

Slowly, and a little bit sneaky, AI has already infiltrated our everyday live, often in ways that many people may not immediately recognize.

Smartphones, social media, online shopping and even banks already use AI on a regular basis. Smartphones use voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, facial recognition, predictive text and auto-correct, all powered by AI.

Social media and online shops like Amazon use predictive AI to analyze user behavior and give feedback and purchase suggestions based on that data. Essentially learning what and how a user uses the site and modifying the experience to best suit that user.

Banks use AI in fraud protection by automatically analyzing patterns in spending to detect possible fraud. Even the police are starting to use AI to track criminal activity, types of crimes, activity of known criminals; all to determine where a crime might occur or who may be the culprit.

While that sounds like the making of a hit Tom Cruise movie, the exciting reality is that because the AI can input and analyze data much faster and more efficient than a human, and with new models that allow AI to use that data to predict behavior, it is within the realm of possibility that AI won’t just be creating images for an online shop, but will be able to predict crime or cure diseases and eventually, take over the world!

Okay, maybe a bit dramatic. This isn’t the first time technology has threatened to take over, not just the world, but more importantly, jobs.

But is AI going after everyone’s jobs? Are we all going to soon be serving our AI overlords to do their bidding?

Throughout history, the threat of new technologies doing just this has been present. From the industrial revolution where development of new technologies led to machines that could automate everyday tasks. While this saw the loss of some job sectors, ultimately, entirely new jobs and industries were created.

While the automobile industry in the early 20th century and the rise of the personal computer did cause the loss of certain jobs as well, it also created millions more. These new jobs not only needed skilled workers, but new teachers to teach the technology, new manufacturing techniques and plants to build it, creating entirely new industries in software development, IT, R&D, and even call center services to aid people using the new tech.

The introduction of computer applications like Photoshop in the late 1980s and early 1990s also caused some concern among traditional artists and photographers. The main worries were around the potential for these digital tools to replace traditional art skills and techniques, and the fear that digital art might devalue or overshadow traditional art forms.

AI is not about taking over the world or replacing people, it is about enhancing their abilities in the workplace

However, over time, many artists came to embrace digital tools as an extension of their creative toolkit. Photoshop and similar applications offered new possibilities for creativity and artistic expression, allowing artists to experiment with techniques and effects that were difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional mediums. The digital art field grew into a significant industry, creating new job opportunities in areas like graphic design, digital illustration, film, and gaming.

While there was an initial period of adjustment and skepticism, Photoshop and other digital art tools eventually became widely accepted and integrated into the art world, complementing rather than replacing traditional artistic skills.

That is how AI should be approached. Not feared as a replacement of human workers, but as a compliment to what we already do. Another tool to help automate mundane tasks. Give guidance to questions that might otherwise take time, and company money, to answer. Or even to create product images out of thin air that save on photo-shoots, product purchases, photographer fees, models, locations, finishing and editing.

AI can help a company achieve their goals in a more efficient, timely and costly manner.

From a business perspective AI can assist in design, editing, development, writing, research and even video and sound design. These technologies are advancing everyday, and the possibilities of AI for a businesses growth and efficiency are endless.

AI can create artwork, but also give inspiration to an artist. It can edit an article, but also research the web for ideas. It can analyze code for a website, or assist in writing an all new feature that would have taken weeks to figure out.

The key is learning how AI can help a business flourish. Taking the tools that are available and giving them to employees to use.

AI is not there to take over, but to take part of the workload that will let workers focus on what truly matters—their expertise and creativity. By automating routine and data-intensive tasks, AI frees up time for staff to engage in more complex, strategic activities that require human judgment and innovative thinking. This collaboration between human and artificial intelligence can lead to increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences. In the end, AI empowers businesses to not only achieve their goals more effectively but also to foster a more dynamic and innovative workplace environment. AI is not about taking over the world or replacing people, it is about enhancing their abilities in the workplace.