Posted by Data Stems ● Sep 29, 2020 11:00:00 AM

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society

The concept of artificial intelligence has changed over the years, from outlandish beginnings as sentient robots that take over the planet to a modern idea of self-running machines that use human-like intelligence. Regardless of how we think of artificial intelligence over time, the root idea stays the same: devices that can think like humans.

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Britannica defines artificial intelligence as the “ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, is a part of machines, systems, and processes that are imbued with intellectual features typically reserved for sentient beings — humans.

Essentially, artificial intelligence is the term for simulated human intelligence in machines.

How is AI used?

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AI is a continuously evolving technology that is currently used in a variety of different industries, each with unique needs and requirements. AI-enabled machines are used in different ways depending on the industry or job they are produced for. The technology is useful in many processes, systems, businesses, and manufacturing establishments. AI is used in healthcare for developing treatment plans and surgical procedures, in the auto industry as self-driving cars, and the finance sector for flagging suspicious activity and alerting officials of possible fraud.

In retail, AI opens opportunities to offer personalized recommendations to consumers, helping buyers discover new purchase options. AI helps retailers, especially eCommerce, expand their customer base, increase conversion rates, and bring in more revenue. AI also allows retailers to customize advertisement placement on sites like Facebook and Instagram.

Other uses in healthcare include personal health care assistants who act as nurses, reminding you when to take medicine, eat a healthy meal, and even exercise. Patients can also receive personalized imaging readings and updates on their health.

The uses of artificial intelligence are endless. AI allows most industries to expand their practices and bring better services to their customers.

How is artificial intelligence impacting society?

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  • AI is in almost every industry.

Artificial intelligence has infiltrated most industries at this point and is continuing to attract others. There are countless ways AI can benefit every industry and business sector, and companies everywhere are seeing the benefits. AI brings new ideas for those companies to do business, interact with their clients, provide products and services, and bring in revenue.

  • AI is transforming industries.

AI is impacting industries like healthcare, banking, retail, and manufacturing — all of which are entirely different after implementing AI machines. AI can read imaging, identify diseases, flag unusual activity in bank accounts, monitor and report fraud, provide customized shopping suggestions to consumers, find the best ad placement, and more. AI systems frequently outperform humans in various processes, meaning that AI machines are often smarter because they can analyze far more data than a human mind.

  • AI is more affordable than ever.

Like most technology, AI is no longer outlandishly expensive and out of reach for most people. These days, it’s easy for anyone to utilize AI and bring it into their life. Think of “smart homes” that have AI-enabled thermostats, light bulbs, doorbells, etc. Artificial intelligence is readily available and is continually expanding to new areas because of that.

  • AI is a part of everyday life.

AI is now a part of almost everyone’s everyday life. Artificial intelligence is inside our homes, in public areas, in stores, and online. You might have a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home in your house, which uses AI to interact with you. Your local downtown area or bank might have facial recognition cameras that help law enforcement. The social media websites you use are all equipped with artificial intelligence to keep you connected. Most people interact with all these types of AI on a frequent basis.

  • AI is fueling technological advances.

It’s not just AI that is advancing and becoming more attainable — AI is fueling tech growth in areas like virtual reality, chatbots, autonomous vehicles, in-home smart devices, and scientific research. The technology is growing in leaps and bounds and taking others with it. It is also affecting technology trends and the way people think and talk about those technologies.

Conclusion

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AI is one of the most promising technology trends that is impacting society today. From its alarming beginnings as sentient robots on TV and in books, to its current use in our smart homes, AI has transformed the way we use technology and interact with our worlds. AI captured our imaginations from the start and helped change healthcare, retail, manufacturing, law enforcement, automobiles, and so much more.

Topics: technology, artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, AI