Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence – frequently abbreviated to AI – is a technology that is built on models which are trained on either a set amount of data or data available on the internet, depending on how the program has been configured. Generative AI – the type frequently used to generate content – uses what it has learnt to generate responses based on ‘prompts’ provided by a user.

If you use entertainment streaming services, you benefit from AI when the platform suggests tracks or films you may like. The same applies when you shop online and receive suggestions about other purchases. From social media to satnav, online dating to booking a restaurant, AI is often working behind the scenes to ensure that you get what you want out of the technology, but also that businesses also obtain optimum benefit. AI has also enabled substantial advances in the healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, finance, oil & gas, communications, health & safety, gaming, marketing, creative and many other sectors.

However, there are also negative aspects of AI that all internet users should be aware of.

Should you be worried?

As is the case with many types of technology, many people have misgivings about the future of AI and the negative impact it could have on our lives. Commonplace questions asked include: “Will AI take over our jobs?”, “Will my privacy be compromised?” and even “Will we develop non-human minds that outnumber humans and take over the world?”

There are also fears that AI is making it easier for cybercriminals to commit fraud. It is true that this is the case, but the same applies to forged banknotes and stolen cheques. To balance these fears, we should add that AI is also used extensively in fighting crime.

One of the recent advances that has fuelled these fears is the rise of generative AI, a development that makes it straightforward for anybody to use a publicly available website such as ChatGPT (there are also many others) to create virtually any type of content or get the answer to any question simply by typing commands. This has given many people in their personal, work and student capacities, at first hand and for the first time, a hint of the power of AI.

In brief, AI is the latest in a long line of technologies designed to improve and streamline the way certain things are done. We should be no more  nervous about it than we were about its forbears.

However, as is the case with all technologies, there are aspects we need to be aware of – and sensible precautions we should take – to ensure we can enjoy the many benefits of AI with safety, security and confidence.

Top tips for using AI safely

  • It is easy to become too reliant on AI to perform various tasks which should be carried out by yourself. Student essays / dissertations and creative schoolwork are just two examples (AI could help you to achieve better grades when you are actually not using your own skills, which could mislead until you take exams, enrol on further courses or seek employment).
  • The outputs of generative AI platforms are only as good as the information they have acquired and learned. Always check other sources for accuracy.
  • In common with our advice on many things you do online, we advise you to not reveal unnecessary personal or otherwise confidential information about yourself, your family, friends or finances, as this may appear in the results of other users’ instructions or queries.
  • Also as we always advise, be respectful. What you enter into an AI-based or assisted platform stays there and could be used in some capacity.
  • Always maintain vigilance for attempts at fraud or identity theft. AI is already being utilised by cybercriminals to impersonate legitimate people or organisations (including voice tracks, video and two-way conversations), so ask yourself if a request for money or information seems right.
  • Always regard AI as a tool, not a replacement for your own or others’ talents, intelligence or qualities.

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Calum Mackenzie of AI Strategy in compiling this advice

www.aistrategy.co.uk

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See Also...

Jargon Buster

A Glossary of terms used in this article:

Identity theft

The crime of impersonating someone – by using their private information – for financial gain.