Why Is AI Everywhere?!
Almost every tech product I interact with has an AI feature integrated into it. As a product manager, I seek to understand the importance of such features, especially considering how they will improve the user experience of such products.
One of the downsides to living in a dynamic world like ours is that technology trends do not end; every day, there is a new idea, tool, invention, etc., that is put out there for people to use. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of such trends. Although AI has been around for a while now, it recently gained global recognition, and many tech companies have also integrated that into their product. Now we see generative AI like MidJourney, ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, etc, being used to solve daily tasks.
I did my research and now better understand AI and its use in building products that help solve users’ problems. I’ll share some of my findings in this piece; I hope you find it interesting, too. Happy reading!
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
I’m a fan of simplifying complex things, so allow me to describe AI in simple terms.
AI can be defined as the practice of training machines to perform human tasks. From the words Artificial and Intelligence, it’s like a replica of human intelligence on a machine. AI is basically super-powered code that lets machines learn and act almost humanly. It’s like giving your phone a brain.
You see, we humans are naturally intelligent enough to perform tasks like reasoning, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Now, with the birth of AI, computers can perform those tasks. Scary right? Well, I tend to think it’s incredible. It would be lovely to have a machine do my laundry or cook my meals while I get to focus on other less-draining tasks. Lol…
How is AI created?
Since this requires training machines, there is a need to speak the language that machines understand — Programming! However, it is not just using regular programs but created through machine learning (here, I picture machines as students, learning and being trained. Well, I’m not entirely wrong, though). Here is how the process works;
- Identify What the AI will be used for: First, there is a need to identify what the AI will be used for – what you want users to use the tool for. Is it for creating stock images? Generating writing prompts? Chatting with users? Filtering files, etc
- Collect data relating to the tasks: The AI needs to be loaded with massive data relating to the functions it will be used for. For example, If it’s an AI tool for getting stock images, it will be loaded with plenty of images.
- Training Algorithms: This is like creating formulas to help AI learn from the massive data. The AI will get better at recognizing patterns and making predictions from this training.
- Programming: This process would not be complete without building the AI model using specific programming languages and deploying it on a suitable computing platform.
- Monitoring: The AI will be monitored and tweaked after launch. New data can also be fed into the system to improve the product’s experience.
This is my simplified understanding of how it works; if you prefer a more complex and broad view, you can read more here.
Why Is AI Everywhere?
Simple — because people need it! But don’t just take my word for it; see why below;
- More Innovative Automation: Some technological automation processes can be time-consuming and repetitive, and AI makes these processes faster and more seamless. A good example of this is AI tools that can help developers write and review codes.
- Improved decision-making: The decision-making process can be slow when there is no easy access to data or a faster way to filter the data obtained, but with AI, data can easily be analyzed and processed, making it easier for businesses and individuals to make decisions.
- Improved customer experience: Many products have AI chatbots and other AI-enabled features to make the order process more seamless for customers. A great customer experience can increase customer retention rates.
- Product/Features Testing: When building a new product or feature, product managers can use AI to conduct A/B tests on the features and functionality, personalize the user experience, and optimize product recommendations. This leads to a more user-friendly and engaging product.
- Predict Human Behavior: AI can predict user behavior and product usage patterns. This helps businesses anticipate customer needs and make informed decisions about future product development.
What are the potential risks or drawbacks of AI?
What are the adverse effects of seeing AI everywhere? In products, services? Below are some of the points I got in my research;
- Job Loss: “AI is not here to take our jobs” — hmmm, I beg to differ. AI might become so good at some jobs and this could lead to unemployment for many people. So, it’s best to learn to integrate AI into your work because people who don’t understand how to work with AI might end up getting replaced by it.
- Mistakes In Decision Making: AI learns from the information provided; if that information isn’t correct, the AI might make unfair decisions.
- Privacy Issues: AI needs a lot of information to learn, and sometimes this information is about people. We need to be careful that AI doesn’t use our private information in ways we wouldn’t want.
- Fake News and Scams: AI can be really good at copying things, including voices and videos. This could be used to make fake news articles or videos seem real to trick people.
Conclusion
As much as AI is an innovative trend humans need, it should best be used as a supportive tool. AI is here to stay, and it’s up to us to make sure it’s a force for good. By being aware of its potential pitfalls, we can harness the power of AI to make our world a more fun, convenient, and amazing place.
I hope you had a good read. Thank you for reading!
Further resouces to explore;
Why Is Everyone Talking About Artificial Intelligence?
AI Is Everywhere — Including Countless Applications You’ve Never Heard Of.
