Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

In the simplest terms, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry seeks to create machines that are capable of learning and intelligent thinking. It includes the development of computer-based systems that can learn from past behaviors and apply that knowledge to solving future problems. AI, which predates the computer age, draws from a variety of academic fields, including mathematics, computer science, linguistics, engineering, physiology, philosophy, and psychology. Although it did not truly emerge as a stand-alone field of study until the late 1940s, the foundation for AI was formed by logicians, philosophers, and mathematicians during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer software that exhibits intelligent behavior. The term “intelligence” is difficult to define and has been the subject of heated debate by philosophers, educators, and psychologists for generations. Nevertheless, it is possible to enumerate many important characteristics of intelligent behavior. Intelligence includes the capacity to learn, maintain a large storehouse of knowledge, utilize commonsense reasoning, apply analytical abilities, discern relationships between facts, communicate ideas to others and understand communications from others, and perceive and make sense of the world around us. Thus, artificial intelligence systems are computer programs that exhibit one or more of these behaviors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science and engineering devoted to the creation of intelligent machines and the software to run them. This process is “artificial” because once it is programmed into the machine, it occurs without human intervention. AI is generally applied to the theory and practical application of a computer's ability to think as humans do. AI capability is designated as either strong AI or weak AI. Strong AI is a computer system that employs an active consciousness in its decision making. This is a machine that can reason, reach logical (and correct) conclusions, and solve problems independently. Critics of AI systems argue that such a machine is unrealistic, and even if it were possible, a true artificially intelligent machine is unwanted due to ethical concerns or the overt fear of “conscious machines” turning on their human creators.

Artificial intelligence (AI) continued to explode in 2024, even as lawmakers — and the public — struggle to understand the associated threats and opportunities. President Biden signed a sweeping AI executive order, and the Federal Communications Commission issued new rules around the technology, as an increasing number of people call for stricter AI regulations. Hundreds of AI-related bills have been introduced — and more than 80 passed — this year in a majority of states. However, regulations from Congress have continued to hit roadblocks. Meanwhile, in October, Nvidia, an AI chip producer, became the world's most valuable company, surpassing Apple.

The introduction of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in the workplace is changing how some jobs are done and eliminating others. Gen AI can access vast amounts of data to produce new content quickly. According to economists and researchers, the technology will have the biggest impact on knowledge workers, such as computer programmers, marketing professionals and data analysts. Some researchers predict more than 50 percent of employers will reduce their workforce over the next 10 years because of Gen AI. But others argue the panic is overhyped. Many say it may be too early to pinpoint the future effect on the workforce. Furthermore, they predict Gen AI will increase productivity and that just because a job is disrupted doesn’t mean it will be eliminated. They also say Gen AI will lead to a change in the structure of some jobs but also foster the creation of new ones. Technologists, employers, employees and policymakers also debate whether retraining is the best way to help workers whose jobs are replaced and if using AI in hiring will have discriminatory effects.

“Deepfakes,” pieces of digital content created or manipulated with artificial intelligence (AI), are on the rise. While manipulating images has many beneficial uses in entertainment, education and other areas, it also has serious and often destructive drawbacks. Deepfake images of everyone from Taylor Swift to Pope Francis to high school students who aren't celebrities are popping up on social media sites, generating havoc and embarrassment and, in some cases, causing real harm. Supporters of deepfakes prefer the terms “synthetic media” or “AI-generated content.” They cite its many positive applications, such as cinematic special effects, historical recreations for educational purposes, job training and increased accessibility. But critics say the technology is also often used for unethical or illegal activities, such as nonconsensual pornography, financial scams and political campaign interference. Responding to these concerns, state and federal lawmakers and the governments of other countries have enacted or are considering legislation to regulate deepfake use. They're debating how to preserve opportunities to harness synthetic media's potential for good while minimizing its risks — and adapting as the technology rapidly evolves.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the broad branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing human tasks. AI systems can take the form of software (e.g., algorithms), hardware (e.g., robotic arms on an assembly line), or a combination of both (e.g., semi-autonomous vehicles). While the term "artificial intelligence" may bring to mind images of sentient humanoid robots like those of popular science fiction literature and film, most AI exists as computer systems composed of algorithms and large amounts of data entered by humans. Because they simulate human intelligence, AI systems depend upon human input to acquire skills, knowledge, and reasoning. AI has enabled the automation of many tasks, from grading exams and transcribing spoken words to vacuuming carpets and driving cars.