The Dawn of AI, Yesterday and Today

Let’s get started on some of the basics, including where AI began, how it has evolved, and an overview of how it’s being used today. 

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History of AI: Let’s trace the evolution of AI from its conceptual beginnings to its current state.

Did you know the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined back in 1956 at a conference at Dartmouth College, where John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon devised a foundational vision for AI? This conference is often considered “the birthplace of AI.” 

This workshop set the stage for AI research for decades to come. But it would be nearly a century later before computational power caught up to this lofty vision, giving rise to the AI tools we use today. 

The 21st century saw AI making significant strides, especially with the development of machine learning and deep learning, enabling computers to learn from data and improve over time. (We’ll get into machine learning and neural networks in Lesson 3, so stay tuned!) 

Major AI Platforms

Platforms like IBM Watson, Amazon Web Services, OpenAI, Google AI, Microsoft Azure, and Meta’s Llama are all super-smart software systems that make both consumer and business applications for AI possible.

It’s important to understand what they can do as well as recent developments that will expand the ways we use AI. These systems are like the ultimate toolkits for anyone wanting to create, train, and put AI models to work. 

These platforms all excel in: 

• Understanding human language (natural language processing)

• Learning from data over time (machine learning)

• Predicting what might happen next (predictive analytics)

• Turning complex data into visuals we can easily understand (data visualization) 

Today’s popular AI tools are largely based on these systems and their massive capabilities. These tech leaders are all competing for their piece of the AI pie, even as that pie continues to grow in terms of people using AI and what AI tools can accomplish. 

Recently, IBM and Meta joined forces to launch an AI Alliance, while Google and AI choose to continue to operate independently and without collaboration. You can learn more about how the AI Alliance may affect future developments here. 

Other AI industry leaders are also developing new technologies, as well as forming joint ventures and partnerships of their own as Gen AI becomes an increasing part of the fabric of our lives.

For instance…

Google will see its Gen AI capabilities deployed across McDonald’s fast-food franchises to optimize operations. 

Amazon AWS recently launched Amazon Q, an AI-driven chat tool for businesses. 

And Microsoft launched Copilot for Windows 10, an AI staple for Windows 11 users, in an effort to prolong the life of its prior Operating Systems. 

Generative AI: How It’s Unique

Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content based on the patterns and data it has learned. Gen AI can create completely original text, images, and even music. 

Gen AI looks at large datasets and uses that knowledge to generate new, similar data. This ability sets it apart from other AI forms, which typically analyze or process data without generating completely new content. 

Generative AI models like GPT (for text) and DALL-E (for images) are prominent examples, showcasing the AI's ability to innovate and produce creative results.

In some specific cases, research shows people tend to prefer content generated by AI over that written by humans. 

But it’s important to understand the limitations when you’re using Gen AI to create unique content. You’ll want to fact-check everything and even infuse a human touch at times. Programs like ChatGPT have been known to make up information (called “hallucinations”) or inadvertently copy content verbatim from other sources. 

How People Use AI

ChatGPT took the world by storm in the fall of 2022, enabling people to create outlines, emails, and other content quickly and easy using its Large Language Model (LLM.) 

But chances are, you’ve been using AI for years before that. 

AI made its way into our homes in the form of personal assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. These AI tools help with everyday tasks such as setting reminders, playing music, providing weather updates, and even controlling smart home devices.

AI algorithms also help us with our entertainment choices. Whether it's Netflix suggesting what to watch next or Spotify curating a playlist based on your listening habits, AI algorithms enhance our media experiences.

AI also plays a big role in the way we travel. Think of GPS apps like Google Maps and Waze that use AI to analyze traffic data in real-time, suggesting the quickest routes to our destinations. AI apps can also help us find the cheapest flights or hotel rooms, and provide customized tips to help us  have more fun at our destinations. 

Businesses use AI for customer service in the form of chatbots and virtual assistants, for data analysis, and to automate routine tasks. We’ll dive deeper into ways you can use AI in your work to improve productivity and efficiency later in the course. 

AI Fears & Myths Dispelled: Addressing Common Misconceptions and Concerns Surrounding AI

As with any new technology, AI has its share of naysayers and even those who fear its power and capabilities. It’s natural to be anxious about new technology you may not understand. 

But, the fact is, AI isn’t about to take over our jobs, get out of control or become too powerful, or take away our autonomy and personal freedom. 

People often worry that AI will replace human jobs. But here's the thing – while AI does automate some tasks, it also creates new jobs and opportunities. 

It's more about changing the nature of work rather than replacing all human work.

AI operates within the limits set by its creators, so it’s not about to go rogue and start making its own decisions. The key is responsible AI development, ensuring it aligns with ethical standards and human values.

Along similar lines, it is not an all-seeing, all-knowing entity collecting our personal data and invading our privacy without permission. Just as when we use the internet or mobile apps, strict data privacy laws prevent AI from accessing or using our information without our permission. 

It’s important to remember that AI, at its core, is a tool created by humans, for humans.

AI Regulations: Understanding the Legal and Ethical Considerations of AI

In the U.S., there's a growing realization that we need to keep a close eye on AI to make sure it's playing nice with our data and privacy. There isn't one all-encompassing federal law just yet, but a bunch of different laws and guidelines have started to pop up. 

Significantly, President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence, issued in 2023, was put in place as a guideline to ensure that AI developers maintain standards around consumer privacy, equity, and civil rights. 

Meanwhile, the Executive Order was also designed to keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation and to ensure healthy competition. It's a pretty comprehensive move to make sure AI does more good than harm, both at home and on the global stage.

The conversation is definitely heating up, and we're likely to see more action in this space in the near future. 

With all this in mind, stay tuned for our next lesson, in which we'll dive into the leading AI platforms designed to help you get more done and how you can use them to become a productivity superstar.