It seems like artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days. Recent developments in machine learning have pushed AI into the mainstream. But if you’re skeptical of this technology, you’re not alone. According to data from Ipsos, three in four people are concerned that AI will erode data privacy. Meanwhile, just under half (43%) of people trust AI to be unbiased.
As many people are new to AI, it’s natural that they’ll have some doubts. Luckily, many of the worries surrounding AI are inaccurate. Trint is an AI transcription and content creation tool, so we know a thing or two about this technology. We are here to bust the most common AI myths and outline how AI can be useful in your day-to-day life.
Myth 1: AI will wipe out jobs
Perhaps the most common concern with AI is that it will eventually wipe out human jobs. The worry is that consistent use of AI will lead to high levels of unemployment. However, this is not quite the case. One of AI’s biggest benefits is that it can automate repetitive tasks such as data inputting or transcription. In fact, last year, 35% of UK businesses said they had employed AI to create efficiencies (Office for National Statistics).
AI models are based on algorithms and data and are currently unable to offer subjective experience or understanding like humans can. They therefore cannot carry out tasks that require human skills like creativity, empathy and complex decision-making. AI can instead act as an assistant to these jobs, carrying out repetitive tasks. This can free up more time to perform more human roles.
It seems that the perfect result is a combination of AI and human collaboration. Research from The University of Queensland has found a 25%–75% AI-human collaboration to be the most preferred split. In managerial and decision-making roles, humans still prefer for other humans to take the reins.
Myth 2: AI always gets things wrong
Many people assume that all AI outputs are factually incorrect or biased. However, the accuracy of AI systems is a much more nuanced topic. Misconceptions often arise from misunderstandings about how AI works, its limitations and the context in which it is used. For example, high-profile reports of AI failures such as those from Google’s new AI search feature (BBC) may capture attention. But, they don't always highlight the many instances where AI systems function correctly and provide significant benefits. This can lead to a skewed perception of AI's reliability.
Similarly, AI systems, especially deep learning models, are complex and not always easily understood by the general public. This complexity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about how AI works and its reliability.
On the other hand, there is also a misconception that AI systems are infallible. The reality is that AI, like humans, can make mistakes, especially if they are trained on biased or poor-quality data. To make sure your work is as accurate as possible, it’s always best to fact-check any claims or proofread any content generated by AI.
Myth 3: AI is never secure
Another major concern about AI stems from the nature of its learning models. Many tools use customer data to train their algorithms and make them smarter and more accurate. This can then make them sensitive to data breaches or leaks. However, not all AI tools are trained with user data.
If you’re worried about security when using AI, it’s a good idea to research the tool’s security measures. Ensure that the company is transparent about how its AI models are trained, validated and tested. Look for credentials like an ISO/IEC 27001 certification, DPR compliance and encrypted data storage.
Myth 4: AI is only for big tech companies
Long gone are the days when AI was only for big tech companies. AI tools and platforms are much more accessible than they once were, with many open-source and cloud-based services available. You’ll also find options to carry out specific tasks, such as AI transcription tools, chatbots and project management tools. Even subscription-based tools can be scaled up or down depending on the needs of your organization. Small businesses and individuals can leverage AI for various applications without requiring massive resources.
Myth 5: AI is still very new
While AI is considered a new trend in technology, it has actually been around for years. In fact, you might have been using it in your everyday life for some time now. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are powered by AI. Streaming sites like Netflix also employ artificial intelligence to offer recommendations. The reason AI seems to be everywhere these days is thanks to recent developments. Breakthroughs in machine learning have made AI more intelligent and versatile than ever before. Research is also ongoing and tech companies are constantly innovating to expand AI’s capabilities and applications.