AI: The Invisible Force Shaping Everyday Lives

Artificial Intelligence has existed for decades however, people are only now starting to understand the extent of its impact and all that it is capable of doing. It’s possible that some aren’t even fully aware of the role that artificial intelligence plays in our daily lives. When we think of AI, many of us probably think of Siri or Alexa, but artificial intelligence actually goes way beyond that. AI can be intrinsic to something as mundane as turning on Netflix to watch recommended movies and shows based on your viewing history. Just a few ways in which AI is used in everyday life include maps/navigation, facial recognition, autocorrect or text editors, social media, and recommendation algorithms. 

More frequently AI is being implemented and utilized in the workplace and various industries ranging from healthcare to financial services to agriculture and even aspects of education. Many companies are using such hi-tech capabilities for automation, legal assistance, risk notification, and research and development purposes. AI has aided doctors with medical diagnosis, treatment efficacy, and speed. Algorithms in AI are used to analyze X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to aid healthcare professionals in efficient and accurate diagnoses. Other aspects of AI that can detect risk and fraud are utilized for financial services to keep user data confidential and protected. 

While many people feel that AI is a thing of the future, some individuals are threatened by the speed and efficiency of this type of technology, especially considering the numerous jobs and tasks AI can carry out that could replace humans, posing a potential threat to employment. Today's AI excels at specific tasks like image recognition, language translation, and game playing, even surpassing human performance in some areas. On an even deeper level, conspiracy theories are floating that AI will eventually develop consciousness or find ways to learn sentience.

Following the boom of AI and the advancements made in machine learning algorithms, users became more efficient in deciding which type of artificial intelligence to apply to their needs. The prevalence of AI has rapidly grown alongside its impact on different sectors, allowing them to function faster and more accurately, carrying out functions that serve those particular sectors. AI-powered systems that have been employed in agricultural industries aid in monitoring agricultural sustainability by predicting weather and assessing farms for diseases, pests, and undernourished plants using data like temperature, precipitation, and sunlight, along with satellite and drone photos. AI can aid businesses by analyzing large quantities of data to spot patterns and provide insights into problem areas that humans might miss.

Despite the many positives of artificial intelligence, AI poses ethical concerns and potential threats to more interpersonal fields, such as education, which is one of the most threatened sectors. Over-dependence on AI in education could be counterproductive, potentially hindering the cognitive processes essential for intellectual and creative growth. Students may feel that using AI is "the easy way out" and doesn't allow them to think independently. Teach for America provides that with recent breakthroughs in AI technology, such as the development of ChatGPT, distinguishing between original student work and AI-generated content can feel like an overwhelming responsibility for educators. Many teachers in the U.S. are employing Turnitin, a new AI detection tool, to catch students cheating or plagiarizing their work with ChatGPT. Unfortunately, the tool lacks accuracy and reliability, often falsely accusing students of misconduct. Banning and excessively monitoring the use of ChatGPT can negatively impact students who aren't using the tool. 

Amidst the rise of AI, it’s clear that while it brings numerous benefits, it also raises important questions about the future of work, ethics, and the role of technology in our lives. As we continue to integrate AI into various aspects of society, understanding and managing its impact will be crucial for ensuring it serves humanity's best interests.