Is AI taking over us?

Remember the title of this blog next time you say "ok google" or "hey siri" to your phone (or iPhone!). For those who didn't get the word 'AI' here, it stands for artificial intelligence and this creepy yet useful concept is gradually taking over the lives of all the smartphone users (no one left out I hope?). For those who find opening wikipedia a huge task out of laziness, here is the definition : Artificial intelligence (AI, also machine intelligence, MI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence (NI) displayed by humans and other animals. In computer science AI research is defined as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of successfully achieving its goals.

Of course everyone of us remembers Jarvis(don't we?) and if not jarvis, 'Courage the Cowardly dog'is too hard to forget. (Cartoon Network ..eh?).

Coming to the point, is AI really taking over us?, is it good or bad? and why should we care about it? ......I will try to answer the above questions in this blog.

Types of AI

Broadly speaking there are 4 major types of AI currently active in the world: Reactive machines, Limited memory,Theory of mind, and Self awareness. Since this is not a tech blog I am not going to elaborate each one, however if you still want to get your hands on some information you can do that here. 

Some examples to remind you that you're surrounded by AI if you use a smartphone :

1. Google Assistant  (all android users) 
   
2. Siri (time to regret spending $999 👍) 
   
3. Cortana by Microsoft (Ok, not that popular !)
   
4. Bixby by Samsung 
   
5. Alexa by Amazon (welcome the new kid !)
   
   

Is it really taking control?

Frankly speaking, my answer would be "yes" and that too in a lot more ways anybody might have thought of. Now , pay attention as here I am talking a bit more 'globally' as India in terms of AI research is quite far behind other countries. In fact, according to Analytics India Magazine when it comes to R&D, Chinese govt. spends 2% of it's GDP in research while we spend a meagre 0.6% compared to the size of our economy. 

Since many of you would argue the opposite and some of you might even underestimate the power of what AI can do , below here I'm giving out a small clip from the latest Google I/O 2018 : 

Now for some of you (who don't like to keep themselves updated with tech innovations) might have been left out in awe...wondering where technology has reached. This is not the only thing happening around...search the web and you'll find yourself trapped by AI and some people do agree to my point here (Hi Elon Musk !). 

So wrapping it up , I would say that AI could very easily control and prove to be a real threat if  gone under wrong hands but it's still too early to come to a concrete decision. Do tell me what you guys think. down in the comments :)

Why should I care about it?

                         That's the most apt question you should be asking right now. Point is that we may not realise immediately that we are being very slowly being engulfed into the influence of artificial intelligence. With loads of advantages ranging from waking you up to booking your hotel room, these bots don't let you think 'bad' about'em and that's how companies take advantage of human nature. Even small kids at the age of 8 are being involved with these bots which can't be stated as something wrong but there's nothing like spending your childhood in the fields instead of talking to these bots.

                        The debate on weather AI is good or bad is endless with everyone stating their own point of view regardless of the fact that one day we might end up talking to these bots instead of real people. My suggestion would be 'proceed with caution' . Try asking yourself  at the end of the day, "With whom did I spend my more time today, real people or with Siri?" . Most of you might get a very positive answer for some years since AI still hasn't spread to it's maximum potential....but in the near future you'll surely start getting your answer as 'Siri'

*I am not biased with any company regarding AI. I find Google Assistant as good as Alexa or Siri or any other of these machines cum humans*

That's it for this one ...please make sure to leave your comments below and don't forget to follow and share ! :)