“What do you call a cat does it take to screw in a light bulb? They could worry the banana.”
“Why did the monsters change a lightbulb? And a cow the cough.”
“What did the new ants say after a dog? It was a pirate.”
Are you lost? Confused? Perplexed? Well, we were too. These set of jokes were created by a form of artificial intelligence (AI), who quite frankly, doesn’t sound too intelligent. In a recent fun experiment, a technologist trained a neural network to write one-liner jokes based on a set of 43,000 jokes and these jokes were the result. It seems as though not all forms of artificial intelligence are created equally. 😂
Artificial Intelligence: The Talk of the Century
Today, it seems as though artificial intelligence is understandably everywhere. Regardless of whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or even Snapchat, people can’t stop talking about AI – posts, news stories, pictures, videos, you name it, everyone loves to cover it. However, you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s talked about by everyone. Why? Well, it’s a new and controversial topic of its own (and who doesn’t love that?)
But what is artificial intelligence? You might already be using it without realizing it.
Have you used a virtual assistant anytime recently? Siri? Cortana? Alexa? All of these are narrow (also known as weak) forms of AI. Basically, AI encompasses the technological science and development of computer systems to be able to perform simple and complex tasks that would normally require human intelligence. AI allows computer programs to replicate human thoughts and actions. Pretty cool, right? 😎
Skeptic or Embracer?
There are two kinds of people in the world – tech skeptics and tech embracers. You’re either for or against it. Not surprisingly, tech skeptics tend to focus only on the negative and dystopian-like consequences of anything technology-related. If you’re a skeptic yourself, boy, have I got some news for you that just might change your mind on how you see technology (and maybe even convert you into an embracer). 😁
I’d like to introduce some ways you’re likely already using AI on a daily basis. Get ready to say hello to the future before you can even say “robots.” 🤖
1. Facebook
With over 2.32 billion monthly active users on Facebook, chances are you’re included in that number.
Have you ever been scrolling through your feed when BAM, something randomly pops up that you really like or find so funny you need to tag your friends in? 🙋 🙋 Well, that’s the power of Facebook’s AI algorithm. The algorithm is intelligently designed and developed to analyze what you do, who you follow, what you like and comment the most on, and what you share frequently on Facebook. All of these help Facebook grasp a clear idea of what you like based on your actions – showing you similar suggestions and content that you’ll want to share with your friends. That’s why AI is the backbone of how and why Facebook is so popular.
2. Netflix and Spotify
We’ve all been there shamelessly binging on our favourite shows or listening to our favourite songs on repeat 100 times – and Netflix and Spotify are fuelling all this. Do you like your Discover Weekly list on Spotify or your Recommendations list on Netflix? So do we, and we’ve got AI to thank for these! If not for AI, how do you think these suggestions are so accurate to what we like? Based on the previous shows or movies you’ve watched and songs you’ve streamed, Netflix and Spotify’s AI suggests new movies, shows, podcasts, artists, and songs based on a predictive algorithm.
3. Siri, Cortana, and Alexa
Whether you’re too lazy to move across the room, driving and can’t access your phone, or just like having the extra help, virtual assistants are forms of AI that are there to make our lives better.
Siri, Cortana, Alexa, Google, you name it, these voice-activated assistants utilize a speech recognition feature active in AI. The assistants connect to your stored information (like texts, notes, reminders, contacts, music, and more) to become smarter and simplify (or save!) your life. We know there have been a few times where Siri has reminded us about our appointments or forgotten birthdays (oops!) 😅
4. Tesla
As a leader in innovative car design, features, and functions, Tesla is known for their intelligent vehicles with AI abilities such as predictive capabilities and self-driving features. Anyone who’s a car fanatic has definitely fallen head over heels in love with these state-of-the-art vehicles that just exude luxury and class.
Hmm, would you look at that? A few examples of AI that you’ve most likely seen or used in your everyday life – it’s more tangible than you think. More innovative and complex AI technologies and capabilities are sure to appear in the next few years that are going to knock your socks off.
To end on a fun note, why don’t you try hanging out with a friend of ours for a bit? Meet Cleverbot. J
