Artificial Intelligence vs Human Intelligence is an ongoing and endless debate. Keep reading to find how they are evolving.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of our everyday lives and is here to stay. Most of the time, we don’t even realize how it shapes our daily routine (whether for good or not). But are there limitations to it? How is it impacting Humans? In this article, we will delve into the distinctions between AI and humans, peering into the unpredictable future that lies ahead.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial Intelligence was defined by John McCarthy as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable”. Consequently, we can define AI as any computer system exhibiting similar characteristics to the human brain. It includes decision-making and critical thinking.
AI is a combination of methods ranging from neuroscience, mathematics, computer science and others. The ultimate goal is to leverage data and algorithms to mimic human behavior and cognitive processes.
Advantages of AI
AI requires and retains considerable amounts of data, and is capable of processing faster of it than humans. Furthermore, it is not constrained by biological factors and can execute demanding tasks without breaks. As a result, AI is perfect for repetitive assignments.
Disadvantages of AI
Humans are responsible for the advances of Artificial Intelligence. However, it has (yet) not been possible for AI to use creativity and intuition to adapt to new situations and react immediately.
As AI requires programming, if something happens outside its scope, it becomes more vulnerable and eventually fails. Additionally, if not programmed correctly, AI might commit errors that might remain unnoticed, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.
What is Human Intelligence?
Intelligence can be described as “a general mental ability for reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Because of its general nature, intelligence integrates cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, language, or planning”. Thanks to it, is possible for us to evolve using cognitive process functions. Our memory will shape the way we interact and think, creating unique conditions that machines are incapable of replicating.
Advantages of Human Intelligence
Humans have powerful tolls that help them evolve and many times surviving. By virtue of creativity and emotional intelligence, we have been able to learn and adapt to new situations. These faculties facilitate both personal growth and survival.
Another important factor of human intelligence is our capacity to use moral and ethical principles in the decision-making process. This moral compass guides our choices, distinguishing us from purely algorithmic decision-making.
Disadvantages of Human Intelligence
When we think about the differences between humans and machines, one that immediately pops int our minds are the fact that we are limited to our body and mental capacities. We need rest, sustenance, and we even feel sick. In these situations, the processes are compromised and probability of making errors is bigger.
As a consequence of our education and other influences, we are predisposed to biases. These can lead to errors or inadequate decisions.
Differences between AI and Human Intelligence
As previously mentioned, AI has been evolving thanks to human action. Before concentrating on their differences, it is also important to highlight some of their similarities. Both share the capacity to improve, solve problems and make decisions. However, it’s the differences between them that are what make each one of them unique. They might even serve as potent talking points in the debate. Let’s explore some of these differences:
Emotions: Throughout our journey, we experience various emotions that invariably shape who we are and how we act. Artificial Intelligence, in contrast, doesn’t have emotions or consciousness. It is true that sometimes our emotions affect negatively our decisions and actions. But they also give us the energy we need. Machines, lacking this feature, rely solely on the programmed software code and data for decision-making.
Learning and creativity: While AI uses algorithms and data to perform only specific tasks, humans have the remarkable ability to learn and adapt across various scenarios using cognitive processes. As a result, we are able to use our creativity to overcome problems and find new solutions.
Abilities: humans conceived AI as a tool to make tasks easier. AI is able of analyzing enormous amounts of data and perform these repetitive tasks without fatigue. On the contrary, humans are subject to physical needs that prevent ongoing activities. Nevertheless, humans can handle a variety of tasks from different domains and adapt quickly. This flexibility, while advantageous, can also contribute to the increase in the possibility of error when compared with AI.
Decision-making: when it’s time to make a decision, AI goes through all the data and analyze it to obtain the best possible solution. On the other hand, humans tend to take into account emotional characteristics, and it is hard to focus only on figures.
Artificial Intelligence lacks the consciousness, emotions and human-like intelligence. Thus, its scope of action is limited. However, we cannot forget that AI has other advantages over Humans, such as the possibility of performing more tasks at the same time and not being affected by physical or psychological factors.
How to use AI in our favor
We have seen that AI is a very powerful tool when used correctly. Finance industry, for example, is using AI to monitor transactions and detect frauds. Similarly, healthcare institutions and research laboratories are using it to detect diseases and even develop new efficient drugs.
Marketing teams are very fond of some of these AI tools that help segmentation and improve the customer journey. Ultimately, companies are saving a lot of money because that know where the right customer is and how to reach them.
The main goal when integrating AI into our processes is to liberate ourselves from repetitive tasks. This liberation allows us to have more time to concentrate on creative solutions and innovative tolls, ultimately driving progress and innovation.
Stepping into the future: generative AI
Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping our perception of the world. A survey by McKinsey in 2022 revealed a staggering doubling of AI adoption over the past five years. The progress in vehicles, intelligent robots and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are rising new questions and doubts about the future of humans. However, the impact of AI on productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on how each of us engages with it.
Generative Artificial Intelligence is evolving at a tremendous pace. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and create content. But what type of content? Basically, everything from music, to articles and art. OpenAI released in November 2022 ChatGPT, a famous chatbot that produces essays, computer code and aiding countless individuals in content creation.
The power of this chatbot is undeniable and is bringing many discussions, particularly among marketing teams concerned about the potential threat to their roles. Equally, educational institutions are beginning to question whether some papers and essays were truly written by students or are a product of the AI.
It’s not all roses: The risks of Risks of Ignoring Data Privacy & Ethical AI
I can highlight a lot of benefits from using Generative AI, but the truth is that it can also bring several risks if not properly used. This risks include:
1. Data breaches and confidentiality
Legal consequences, fines, and damage to brand reputation. Employee sharing confidential information, leading to a data breach.
2. AI Bias and Discrimination
Unfair treatment, perpetuating stereotypes, and legal liabilities. AI system producing racist or discriminatory content.
3. Lack of trust and transparency
Erosion of customer trust, public backlash, and potential loss of business. AI system making unexplainable decisions that negatively impact customers.
4. Ethical and law non-compliance
Legal penalties, fines, and loss of market access. Failure to adhere to GDPR, CCPA, or United Nations AI Ethics guidelines.
5. Fake outputs and content
As you probably seen it, a lot of fake outputs and content are emerging. It is making us question: is this truly real or an AI-created content?
How to use Generative AI the best way: Safety is key
It is only possible to predict the risks if you test the platforms exhaustively, understand how it works, and really know how to communicate with them. For that, you need to use a structured framework that will allow you to improve efficacy and consistency, while controlling the risks of using AI, focusing on producing fast and efficient creative solutions. Wise Pirates has created the first European framework regarding this topic, that will help multidisciplinary teams to work together with AI, while mitigating all the risks I mentioned above. This way, you will have a secure and ethical solution that will provide you:
1. Comprehensive data privacy
Strict access controls, secure data handling, and privacy-by-design principles. Safeguard sensitive information, prevent unauthorized access, and minimize data breach risks.
2. Transversal Risk Avoidance
Incorporating risk avoidance in all loops of the framework. More than in-app security, a supra-app risk management framework.
3. Transparency and explainability
Clear documentation, understandable AI decisions, and user-friendly interfaces. Build trust with customers, foster positive public perception, and retain business.
4. Compliance with regulations
Adherence to GDPR, CCPA, United Nations AI Ethics guidelines, and other relevant standards. Avoid legal penalties, fines, and maintain market access.
Generative AI in action
Despite some distrust surrounding generative AI, the truth it that it can be very useful for us. It is possible to improve customer service thanks to it. In the same way, people can use it to generate email responses or resumes, allowing them to have more time to focus on other aspects.
It goes without saying that it also poses problems, as it is hard to track the original source of AI-generated information and the occasional inaccuracy, which can contribute to the proliferation of fake news.
Despite the achievement, the work and investment behind the creation of ChapGPT and other chatbots is massive and is not for every company.
What lies ahead: will AI supplant Humans?
Humans are wonderful creatures with excellent abilities. Even when we doubt ourselves, we must not forget what our mind and body are capable of doing.
It is undeniable that recent developments in AI have brought our differences closer, but machines remain far from replicating the complexity of the human brain. Moreover, machines still need us to operate and evolve. It is vital that we put Artificial Intelligence to its best use so that we can reduce repetitive tasks and concentrate on bigger achievements. The key lies not in fearing its ascent, but in harnessing its power wisely.
