From the first fire and axel-bearing wheel to steam engines, satellites, and iPhones, humanity has always been fast yet consistent at advancing technologically. In the late 20th century, there have been dozens of international favorites portrayed through books, film, and other forms of multimedia, such as Star Trek, The Dune series, Star Wars, or “2001: A Space Odyssey”. What do all of these sci-fi stories have in common? Firstly, they have predicted several real-life scientific advances and demonstrated their efficient uses decades ago. Of course, they have exhibited algorithms for artificial intelligence that appear more competent and sophisticated than anyone could have imagined.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be described in its simplest form as a complex array of computer-generated information designed to simulate human intelligence. Optimized use of AI as available to us now ranges from holding conversations to generating specialized artwork or even mimicking the faces and voices of celebrities and influencers. AI has become so convincing that a study shows that at least 65 percent of individuals are confident that they would not be able to discern between genuine human interaction and an artificially generated one.
Artificial intelligence is currently being used in practically every industry across the world. Its capabilities are already progressive enough to allow the average computer to hold an indulgent conversation with an adult, develop 3rd-dimensional art based on particular directives, or predict the stability and condition of a massive building structure more than 200 years after its creation, making AI one of the most exciting and fear-inducing advancements that humanity may have ever had to offer is likely right around the corner.
Being able to copy and oftentimes even improve the likenesses of human beings offers excellent benefits but is not without its faults, of course. A popular example of this issue is the rising use of “deep fakes.” Deepfakes are videos that are altered using AI, which can convincingly change a person’s face, body, or voice to appear to be someone else. Deep-faked artificial intelligence has rapidly become an issue when talented individuals are, at a whim, able to portray a famous politician or important individual’s likeness with similarities between their voices and faces that are so accurate that even expert behaviorists cannot label those videos with accuracy.
In just about 50 years, artificial intelligence has proven to be able to accurately simulate tasks in mere minutes that are so complex that actual human intelligence takes decades of mastery and discovery to produce. While classic science fiction stories can show us all how exciting and accommodating perfected artificial intelligence can be used, just like any advanced technology, it can easily be used in harmful ways as well. From the discovery of complicated mathematics to increased confusion within worldwide politics, AI has the potential to convict the very essence of what it means to be human truly and if you have not already, it will not be long before we are all forced to pose the question; “Are you real, or a construct?”.
Original post: https://medium.com/@khuramdhanani/for-better-and-worse-the-revolution-of-artificial-intelligence-approaches-7fdb187d20c7