Artificial Intelligence

What is Artificial Intelligence?

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence."

AI has the potential to transform various aspects of society, such as education, health, culture, and economy, but also poses significant challenges and risks, such as ethical, legal, social, and human rights issues.

The Office for Artificial Intelligence is a UK government unit that oversees the country’s AI strategy and promotes the ethical and innovative use of AI technologies.

AI is not a single technology, but a broad field that covers many applications and methods. Some of the common types of AI are:

  • Machine learning: This is the process of teaching machines to learn from data and improve their performance without explicit programming.
  • Natural language processing: This is the process of enabling machines to understand and generate natural language, such as text or speech.
  • Computer vision: This is the process of enabling machines to perceive and interpret visual information, such as images or videos.
  • Robotics: This is the process of creating machines that can move and interact with the physical world.

How can I try it?

You are already using it as AI is integrated into many services such as chatbots, mobile phones (face recognition), search engines (google), banking (detecting fraud), smart home appliances (Alexa) and recommendation services (Netflix).

As for new AI tools, there are many being developed all the time. Some of these tools are free to use, while others require a subscription. Here are some examples of current AI tools:

  • ChatGPT: A generative AI chatbot that can help you with a variety of tasks, such as writing a CV, understanding a complex topic, and more.
  • Bing AI: an intelligent assistant that enhances online search and browsing experiences with conversational AI capabilities.
  • Google Bard: Another generative AI chatbot that can converse with you on a variety of topics.
  • Snapchat AI: A feature on Snapchat that uses AI to create personalized filters and lenses based on your facial features.
  • DALL-E: An AI model developed by OpenAI that can generate images from textual descriptions.
  • Stable Diffusion: An AI-powered tool that can help you generate images from text descriptions.
  • Copy.ai: An AI-powered tool that can help you generate content for your social media posts, ads, and more.
  • Grammarly: An AI-powered writing assistant that can help you with grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

How can I use it safely?

When using AI, it is crucial to consider ethical implications, data privacy, transparency, bias mitigation, and the potential societal impact of the AI system to ensure responsible and safe use.

  • Check your Facts - AI can make mistakes as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.
  • Do not share personal data - This includes personal details, financial information, passwords, and other sensitive data.
  • Be Aware of Bias - Avoid using the model to validate or reinforce personal beliefs that could be harmful or discriminatory.
  • Report inappropriate content - How to report useful links
  • Do not use AI generated content to deceive or mislead others.

Any tips for using AI generative tools effectively?

  • Be specific about what you want
  • Use relevant phrases
  • Be clear – avoid jargon or complex language
  • Provide examples to help refine the result
  • Fine-tune and rephrase
  • Proofread

How can I find out more?

  • Learn about fighting fake news and fact checking resources
  • Listen to a podcast – Coventry Libraries have selected some on our Spotify profile
  • Download'Artificial Intelligence' magazine or browse digital magazines with Libby
  • Search global newspaper articles with Pressreader
  • Try some Games to see is you can tell the real from the fake
  • Search ‘artificial intelligence’ to discover books via the online catalogue