AI…it’s the new buzz acronym.
For those readers who have been living in a cave for the past few years, AI means artificial intelligence.
For those of us who are computer challenged, AI is the last thing one wants to tackle, be involved in, or even contemplate.
WIKIPEDIA defines AI as the capability of computer systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception and decision-making.
AI is part of everyone’s daily life. Here are some examples:
a. advanced search engines like Google Search;
b. recommendation systems used by YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix;
c. virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Sira and Alexa;
d. autonomous vehicles like drones, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and self-driving cars;
e. automatic language translation such as Microsoft Translator, Google Translate
f. facial recognition such as Apple’s FaceID, Microsoft’s DeepFace and Google’s FaceNet;
g. image labeling used by Facebook, Apple’s Photos and TikTok.
h. targeted advertising such as AdSense and Facebook.
A New York Times reporter decided to go without AI for 48 hours. His efforts resulted in major changes to his everyday lifestyle. Here are some of the challenges he encountered:
a. no facial recognition to open his iPhone
b. social media feeds were taboo
c. no newscasts because they often contain AI based research
d. emails were also taboo because spam is deleted by AI
e. podcasts were out the window because editing programs delete “ums” and awkward silences
f. consulting the weather app was a no-no
g. no Uber or Lyft since AI is used for pricing and scheduling
h. no taxi ride because automobiles contain many AI features
i. an old fashioned folding city map was necessary
j. his credit card was taboo along with ATM for cash
k. no iPhone selfie because of the automatic focusing.
l. Writing his experiences without a computer.
The article was both hilarious and educational. So, like it or not , AI is part of your daily life. It's only a matter of degree.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.