Issue 131: The Era of Generative AI is Upon Us
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re talking about generative AI for business. – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
The Era of Generative AI is Upon Us
Last month, the UAE Ministry of Artificial Intelligence released a fascinating and helpful guide to generative artificial intelligence. The guide outlines generative AI's practical challenges and applications in the current technological system. It comes at an important time in the larger debate about AI. The effects of AI on the global economy and the nature of computing are well documented and without dispute. The more pressing question is how generative AI will change how we use technology and create in the short term. The guide provides some insight into these critical questions.
What are these tools? The guide pays particular attention to AI chatbots like ChatGPT and details various use cases. The examples contain invaluable insights into how we can all use these platforms regardless of our background or fields. It’s vital to remember a few key facts about generative AI as it stands today. For example, ChatGPT is an excellent plagiarist. It collects data created by humans and repackages it based on queries from users. Thus, ChatGPT doesn’t actually create anything by itself. It splices information together according to data inputs.
Not human yet. This frank perspective on ChatGPT is a vital example to remember when considering deeper questions about artificial general intelligence and sentient AI. The unfounded concern among many is that AI is becoming too powerful and risks “taking over the world.” That’s not the case now, as the guide makes abundantly clear. Generative AI is a powerful tool that can make our lives easiest across many metrics. It’s not a form of computer sentience that challenges the human mind. We are a long way away from that stage.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, I think we’ll augment our intelligence.”
– Ginni Rometty, entrepreneur
CHART OF THE WEEK
We are looking at cross-border payments. The rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin hasn’t significantly affected standard remittance payments. Gulf countries continue to be world leaders in remittance payments.
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
Everyone is looking: Facial recognition technology is controversial and will likely stay that way for some time. That doesn’t change the fact that the industry is booming and expanding, particularly in North America. So it’s about time to address the concerns about facial recognition and make the necessary changes. In this piece from the archives, we took a deep dive into the debate about this powerful technology.
Women in the 4IR: The Fourth Industrial Revolution. It’s here, and it’s transforming the future of work. The coming transformation of labor could improve the position of women in the workplace. If we start a conversation about the role of gender in 4IR today, we can lay the groundwork for a more equitable future tomorrow. In this piece published by Xische, Mary Ames explores the issues at play. She argues that we must realize the invaluable perspectives women can bring to designing and regulating the future to explore the full potential of 4IR.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
Let them eat bugs. The land of chocolate and sweets wants more children to eat bugs. That’s right, Switzerland is pushing new ways to get children to eat insects. The country became the first in Europe to allow insects to be sold as food for humans in 2017. Now Swiss regulators are trying to find ways to get more insects into school meals. While it might be a tough sell, the shift is an innovative long-term solution to the growing problem of obesity in children.
Gaming while you sleep. Mobile gaming is one of the hottest areas in consumer technology. Eager to capitalize on new markets, game developers always seek innovations and fresh ideas. What about gaming while you sleep? That’s the approach that the developers behind Pokemon Sleep are taking. The game is essentially a sleep tracker that looks at your sleep style and attracts different types of creatures based on that data. How this will affect our global sleep crisis is anyone’s guess.