What is AI? A Complicated Puzzle Everyone Thinks They Understand

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently one of the most talked-about technologies, yet there's no consensus on what it really is. This confusion and disagreement around AI is a significant issue.

The Diverse Perceptions of AI

AI evokes a wide range of emotions and opinions. Some people find it fascinating and groundbreaking, while others see it as a threat to jobs, education, and equality. AI is perceived as everything from a revolutionary technology to a dangerous entity. It's seen as both a tool for progress and a potential disaster for humanity.

So, what exactly is AI? On the surface, AI refers to technologies that enable computers to perform tasks that would require intelligence if done by humans, such as recognizing faces, understanding speech, driving cars, writing, and answering questions. However, even this definition is fraught with complexity and controversy.

Understanding and Trusting AI

The crux of the problem lies in understanding what it means for a machine to perform these tasks. How much should we trust AI to handle such responsibilities? As AI evolves from prototype to product at an accelerated pace, these questions become increasingly urgent, yet definitive answers remain elusive. Even the experts who develop AI technologies admit they don't fully understand what AI is.

The Polarized Views on AI

AI discussions are more polarized than ever, with some people viewing AI as almost magical while others remain highly skeptical. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described an update to GPT-4 as "magic," illustrating the divide between those who see AI's potential and those who dismiss it as overhyped.

AI enthusiasts, including some leading figures in the tech industry, believe in the imminent arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and even superintelligence. Meanwhile, critics like Timnit Gebru and Gary Marcus argue against such lofty claims, seeing them as unrealistic and unsupported by current evidence.

The Need for Clarity

Despite the heated debates and strong opinions, there's a pressing need for clarity about what AI really is. This is crucial because AI technologies are already influencing many aspects of daily life, from insurance rates to job processes. Yet, even after speaking with numerous AI experts, no one can provide a definitive answer about what AI truly encompasses.

Today's AI, particularly large language models, can perform impressive feats like solving math problems and generating creative content. However, this has led to overestimations of AI's capabilities and has fueled polarized opinions.

AI in Popular Culture

The cultural context of AI also complicates the debate. AI has been a part of science fiction for decades, shaping public perceptions and expectations. The release of ChatGPT made AI tangible for millions, but it also masked the complex and potentially dangerous aspects of the technology.

The Divided Opinion on AGI

The idea of AGI remains one of the most contentious topics in AI. Some researchers and tech leaders believe AGI is just around the corner, while others see it as a far-fetched fantasy. The Microsoft paper "Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence" became infamous for its bold claims, which many in the AI community dismissed as overhyped and unverified.

Moving Forward in the AI Debate

Emily Bender, a notable critic of AI hype, argues that models trained only on text can never truly understand language in a meaningful way. This highlights the ongoing debate about whether AI can ever achieve true understanding or reasoning.

Conclusion

AI is an idea shaped by a mix of technical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives. While it's unlikely we'll reach a consensus on what AI is anytime soon, finding common ground on the basics could help in more meaningful discussions about what AI should be.