Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a type of technology that’s changing how we live, work, and play. Big companies like Meta, Google, and OpenAI are competing to make the best AI tools. While AI can do amazing things, some experts worry it could also be used in harmful ways.
What is AI?
AI lets computers learn and solve problems like humans do. It’s trained using huge amounts of data to find patterns and complete tasks. For example, it can:
Have conversations like a person.
Guess what an online shopper might want to buy.
Help apps like Siri and Alexa understand your voice commands.
Show you posts you might like on social media.
Help Amazon recommend products and find fake reviews.
What are ChatGPT and Midjourney?
ChatGPT and Midjourney are examples of “generative AI.” These programs learn from lots of data, like text and pictures, to create new content.
- ChatGPT: A chatbot that can talk with you through text.
- Midjourney: An AI that creates images from simple instructions.
- Generative AI can also make videos, music, and more!
But, these tools sometimes make mistakes or repeat unfair ideas, like matters that border on racism or sexism. Some artists, writers, and musicians are upset because their works are being copied by AI without permission.
Famous musicians like Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj want rules to stop AI from copying their works without their permission.
Why Are People Worried About AI?
AI is growing so fast that some experts are worried. Here are a few concerns:
- Spreading false information: AI can create news or pictures that aren’t true.
- Helping hackers: AI might be used for cyberattacks or by terrorists.
- Replacing jobs: AI could take over tasks that people do now, like office work or legal tasks.
- Environmental impact: AI uses a lot of electricity, which could hurt the planet.
Some even worry that super-smart AI could one day become dangerous to humans. But not everyone agrees — some experts think this fear is silly.
What Are Governments Doing About AI?
Countries are trying to create rules to keep AI safe and fair. For example: The US and UK signed an agreement to test AI safety together.
The UK hosted a big meeting in 2023 where many countries agreed to work on AI safety.
The European Union (EU) is making strict rules for high-risk AI systems.
Will AI Take Away Jobs?
AI could replace millions of jobs, like office workers or architects. But it could also create new jobs and make some tasks easier. For example, AI helps doctors find breast cancer and even creates new medicines.
AI: Good or Bad?
AI can do incredible things, but it’s important to make sure it’s used in fair and safe ways. Governments, companies, and experts are working to create rules to make AI helpful for everyone.
At this point, what do you think of AI as the new Tech on the Block?
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into the exciting possibilities of AI, and what you can also use it to do!
