First of all, couldn’t they have come up with a better way to identify it? AI? Looks just like Al. One stands for Artificial Intelligence. The other is a guy’s name. So right out of the gate, I’m confused.
And it’s not really artificial… anymore. It’s for real, for sure. What started out as a reproduction of human smarts, now has a mind of its own. Using AI, AI has been able to create a unique brand of humanity, with warm-blooded emotions and reactions. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
I would imagine the younger you are, the more comfortable you are with AI, just like today’s older set was when we went from typewriters to word processors. A little intimidating at first, but once you got the hang of it, oh my. Where has this been all my life?
What is it?
Here’s the definition I found of AI… “the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior.”
I’ve already challenged the “artificial” part. Now, what about “intelligence?” If AI can mimic that, it can probably do the same with “idiocy.” So I’ll say it again. Oh my.
Those who keep an eye on such things are warning about the power of AI to influence our behavior, and not always in a good way. Dylan Losey, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech University, says, “I don’t worry about some dystopian future; I worry about the reality we have right now, and how we integrate the amazing possibilities of artificial intelligence into human-centered systems.”
Even though I just did it, I don’t mean to trash AI. In fact, I’m here to embrace it, and start learning more about it. For that, I reached out to Mike Gorski, who, along with his wife and partner Jazmin, founded RevForce, a Marquette-based digital trade school and AI automation agency. (I’m already confused.)
“We train local residents and small business owners to use AI tools to improve productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and build modern digital careers,” explains Mike. Okay. I’m beginning to understand.
Is it here… or on its way?
Actually, according to Mike, we’re already knee deep in AI, we just don’t know it. “Most people already use AI without realizing it. Every time your phone suggests the next word when you text, filters spam from your inbox, or routes you around traffic on Google Maps, that’s AI at work.”
Mike and Jazmin are smack in the middle of the generation that came about when technology was advancing faster than many of us knew possible. So naturally, they’re comfortable with AI. “We’ve spent 15+ years building and running businesses that use technology to streamline operations,” says Mike.
So Mike, in simple terms… exactly what is AI? “AI is like having a digital assistant that can think, write, and problem-solve using information it’s learned from millions of examples. It doesn’t replace human creativity, it helps humans work faster and make smarter decisions.”
That sounds great, but how would someone like me… the aforementioned “rest of us,” effectively employ AI? “Start small. Tools like ChatGPT are free and easy to experiment with,” Mike says. “Ask it to help you plan a meal, write an email, or explain something you don’t understand. The more you practice giving it clear instructions, the better it gets at helping you.”
So, what’s the problem?
What about the perils of AI I keep hearing about? Should I be concerned about how it might hurt me specifically, or, what damage it could do to our society in general? “The biggest danger is misuse or misunderstanding,” Mike says. “People trusting AI too much, or using it without verifying facts. The other risk is job displacement if workers don’t learn to adapt.”
Ah… job displacement. That’s the danger I’ve been hearing about.
A recent article in Forbes sounded the alarm. “Artificial intelligence is expected to fundamentally transform the global workforce by 2050, according to reports from PwC, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum. Estimates suggest that up to 60% of current jobs will require significant adaptation due to AI. Automation and intelligent systems will become an integral part of the workplace.”
2050 might seem like a long way off, but that date represents something closer to the end game. Day to day, we’ll be seeing AI infiltrate every aspect of life, whether we want it or not. And just like how we adapted to those word processors back in the last century, we’ll need to figure out how to live with AI. That’s what Mike and Jazmin are doing with RevForce.
More to learn.
Mike says AI will introduce a whole new category of employment, and people need to start preparing for it. “We believe in the not too distant future there will be more AI technology out there than technicians who understand how to program, implement, and maintain it.” Basically, it’s an entirely new industry.
Another comparison… it’s like when we went from the horse and buggy to the automobile. Livery stables gave way to auto repair shops, and people had to learn the new skills necessary to facilitate the change. (That’s for all of you who remember the horse and buggy.)
Though probably not the only firm providing such a service, RevForce is certainly part of the first wave of companies offering training in AI. “Our focus is on AI literacy and reskilling by helping people see AI as a tool, not a threat,” Mike says.
Putting my toe in the water
I checked out that ChatGPT site to see what it’s all about. It was like communicating with a friend. I asked if it could write a blog for me. It said it needed just a little basic info and then said… “Once you share that, I’ll write you a polished, ready-to-publish blog post.” How nice.
Now I’m wondering how much AI has already infiltrated my work, as well as other aspects of my existence. I thought about my email communication with Mike for this article, so I jokingly asked if his reply was actually AI generated.
“Yes, it was! I have built several custom AI Assistants all for specific purposes. I train them on a specific knowledge base of data, give them a structured task-based framework and then they execute accordingly.”
That settles it. The next big thing… artificial intelligence, is no longer on its way, it’s here… all the way. It’s our new operating system, with no apparent limitations.
Considering all the possibilities, that calls for one more… oh my.