There’s a news report almost every day about AI. Artificial Intelligence. After viewing Matthew McConaughey’s Gold Rush commercial for Salesforce during an NFL game, I began to pay more attention. Several days later I started documenting the headlines in the Lincoln Journal Star (LJS).
"Chatty AI helping lonely seniors." (LJS, 12-30-2023) ElliQ, the device which looks like a small lamp, with a top that lights up and swivels. It talks, tells jokes, plays music and remembers each user’s interests and their conversations. Is it described as "the only device using artificial intelligence specifically designed to alleviate the loneliness and isolation experienced by many older Americans." For many senior citizens, especially those living alone, ElliQ may fill that gap.
The following day, ‘A Tsunami of Misinformation’ (LJS, 12-31-2023) reports “...fabricated images, videos and audio clips known as deepfakes have started making their way into experimental presidential campaign ads.” Ah...here it comes. Another election year. What to believe? Who to believe?
And then, “Microsoft adding AI button to keyboards” (LJS, 1-7-2024). Hmm...so now I know my laptop will soon be outdated because it doesn’t have that new feature that I’m sure will be needed for my future endeavors.
Yes, AI technology has been with us for some time. Is it possible that Siri and Alexa have been with us since 2011? How did we get through our days without them?
Remember the Jetsons? George Jetson often complained of his hard work pushing buttons for an hour a day, two days a week at Spacely Space Sprockets. And they had Rosie, the robot maid. Now 'CES unveils AI tools and robots that cook.' (LJS, 1-17-2024) “Chef-life robots, AI-powered appliances and other high-tech kitchen gadgets are holding out the promise that humans don’t need to cook...for themselves anymore." I look forward to the day when the robot knows what I am hungry for and automatically prepares that meal!
Be assured I could not give a workshop on AI or deepfakes. I know just enough to hopefully make sure I never get scammed. But it seems that simply by turning on our devices, that risk is greater every day.
How much artificial intelligence do we really need? Looking up the definition of IA gives us a glimpse. "Here are some thing that AI can do that humans can't...AI systems excel at processing vast amounts of data rapidly, identifying patterns, and extracting insights that might be challenging or impossible for humans to discern manually." OK...it's hard to argue with that. Processing vast amounts of data? Of course I cannot compete with that, especially if anyone would expect me to do that rapidly!
It’s important to think about how AI may be helpful to us. From 'Appy Place: Can artificial intelligence help guide well-being?' (LJS, 1-28-2024) One free, online site is FuturSelf (https://futurself.ai). Answer a few questions and the AI program “...assesses areas where you need help. Maybe you’re depressed, not exercising, not socializing or not going to the doctor enough. You can see what’s bothering you and decide if you want to make tweaks in your life.” I did not take the survey, but if it can figure me out...more power to it!
By February the news reports began to focus on the elections:
“Big Tech companies sign pact on AI content: Largely symbolic deal targets deepfakes that seek to mislead voters” (LJS, 2-17-2024)
“Bill would alert voters about AI campaign ads” (LJS, 2-29-2024)
“Elon Musk sues OpenAI and its CEO” (LJS, 3-3-2024)
Permission was received from the Caltech Science Exchange to use the image at the beginning of this blog. It is from their publication, Can We Trust Artificial Intelligence?
I highly recommend we all look at the News Literacy Project , a nonpartisan site with links to many resources about News Literacy in the Age of AI. Scroll down to the infographic on misinformation. Also, watch the video explaining Reverse Image Search in the section: Develop skills to identify fabricated content. It explains the digital verification tool used to determine the origin of an image. I know...hard to believe anyone would post an image incorrectly just to deceive us.
Most importantly, do I really want a digital twin? 'AI twinsies.' (LJS, 1-17-2024) New technology (Hollo AI) is available that will allow me to upload a selfie and voice memos into my phone. Then my twin can interact with my fans on social media platforms. According to the site, “Hollo leads the way in personalized AI interactions, connecting creators and celebrities with their fans ethically and authentically.” Well it’s being created for celebrities at this point, but how do they know I’m not a celebrity?
I think I need a digital twin...and she will write my next blog. Or maybe I have already signed up and my twin wrote this one...
Resources:
Can We Trust Artificial Intelligence (https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/artificial-intelligence-research/trustworthy-ai)
News Literacy Project (https://newslit.org/ai/?gad_source=1)
Reverse Image Search
Join us on Facebook at 5 Women Mayhem.
Thank you! Informative!!!
ReplyDeleteHollo. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. I learned so much about AI.
ReplyDelete