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Why AI Matters to You

By Susan Gonzales on 12/06/2024 @ 06:50 AM

Why AI Matters to You

Have you ever searched for a job, applied for a loan, written an essay, struggled with solving math problems, or faced a serious health issue? If you answered “yes” to any of these, then AI matters to you! Why? Because AI is deeply embedded in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Think about when you pick up your device. Did you use your face to unlock it? That’s AI—facial recognition at work. Did you click on a website or watch a video online? Every click teaches AI about your preferences—what you like, what you don’t, and what you might want to see more of. It’s all powered by AI.

Why AI Is So Relevant

AI relies on data to function, and we generate that data every time we interact with technology. It simplifies our lives in many ways:

  • Personalized Recommendations: It suggests items or content tailored to our interests.
  • Instant Answers: It responds to our questions or prompts in seconds.

These are examples of predictive AI (anticipating your behavior based on your data) and generative AI (creating responses or content based on your inputs).

It sounds great, right? But AI isn’t perfect.

When AI Gets It Wrong

AI can produce incorrect or biased results due to flaws in its programming. For example, a married couple might apply for the same loan with identical financial details, yet only the male partner gets approved. Why? This could be due to bias in the algorithm—the "recipe" behind AI's decision-making—which may not account for traits equally across genders.

Bias in AI reflects the limitations of the data or perspective used to create it, making fairness a critical issue.

Protecting Your Privacy

Another essential aspect of AI is data privacy. AI collects and uses your data, often without your full awareness. While this can make life more convenient, it also creates risks if that data falls into the wrong hands.

The Takeaway: Understanding AI to Empower Yourself

AI is woven into the fabric of modern life, shaping how we work, communicate, and make decisions. By understanding how it works, you can:

  • Maximize opportunities: Use AI for job searches, managing businesses, or addressing health challenges.
  • Stay safe: Protect your data and navigate AI tools wisely.

Now is the time to learn about AI—not just to use it effectively, but also to ensure it works for you and protects your interests.