Artificial intelligence against humans – are you sure who is on the other side?

08.02.2024
Trivia


The Internet is amazing, but sometimes it turns into a scary virtual world that gives us everything – work, entertainment, information, and for some it even replaces reality. Consider for a moment one of its most fascinating features – the Internet gives you the ability to mask your true identity. In the age of artificial intelligence, it seems that it is no longer just humans who can hide their true selves.

Have you ever wondered who is on the other end when you are sending an e-mail, writing a message or even reading this article? I think that in such a situation many of us assume that we are talking to a living, breathing human being. But are you sure?

You probably think that I, the creator of these words, am human. There is nothing strange about this – such an assumption is accompanied by a kind of innocence and a sense of security. What if I tell you that you can be wrong? What if I told you that you could have a conversation, perhaps even a very personal one, with something that was created not from flesh and bones, but from code and algorithms? Artificial intelligence. That word is enough to give some people goosebumps. The possibilities are incredible, but so are the potential consequences.

So, before you get more deeply entangled in this web full of unknowns, think again: Are you sure who is on the other side? I invite you to read on!

Bots are among us – what is Artificial Intelligence?

Bots are among us – This is neither a trailer for the latest sci-fi movie, nor a rumor circulating on Internet forums. It is a harsh reality, an element of our daily lives that has become a permanent part of our digital identity.

Artificial intelligence, often referred to as AI (from Artificial Intelligence), is a field of science and technology that has revolutionized our era. It is defined as a branch of computer science that focuses on creating programs and systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intellect. In short, it is an attempt to create a machine that “thinks” like a human. Bots, or computer programs created to automate certain tasks, are one of the most popular and recognizable applications of AI.

Have you ever talked to a “consultant” on a website who helped you solve a problem? Have you noticed how the website tailors its suggestions to your preferences, as if it knows you better than you know yourself? Well, if so, you have just talked to a bot.

Although we may come across them almost everywhere, many people are unaware of how deeply AI has nestled into our daily lives. They resemble a bit of a ghost in the machine, which is always with us, but rarely noticed. So remember the next time you sit down in front of a computer screen: bots are among us. Whether you are aware of it or not, there is always someone, or rather “something” on the other side. But don’t worry – for now they have no intention of taking over the world. At least, that’s what I think…

Time travel – the evolution of artificial intelligence

Time travel is definitely something associated with cult science fiction novels. Well, who would have thought that we are now the heroes of such a story? Without any time capsule or DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” we travel to the past to follow the evolution of artificial intelligence.

It all started innocently enough. The first steps were taken in the 1950s, when scientists began to investigate whether it was possible to create a machine that thinks like a human. The initial approach to AI was simple: if a machine can perform a task that normally requires human intellect, it’s AI. So those first AIs were fairly simple, focusing on a single task, like chess or solving equations. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, AI began to be used for more practical purposes. Expert systems began to help doctors diagnose diseases, banks evaluate borrowers, and pilots fly planes.

In the 21st century, AI has begun to become more advanced and ubiquitous. Machines are now learning on their own, analyzing vast amounts of data. Concepts such as deep learning through neural networks, which mimic the way the human brain works, have begun to emerge.

However, let’s not forget that time travel is not just about looking back. It is equally important to consider where we are going. If the past was so fascinating, what will the future bring? Will machines become even more intelligent? Will we start treating them as equals? Will they start treating us as equals?

How do robots use technology to mimic humans?

Robots. These metal cousins of humans, who – let’s not kid ourselves – can perform some tasks better, faster and more efficiently than us mere mortals, are becoming more “human” by the day. How do they do it? How does technology allow them to emulate us, non-perfect but exceptional beings?

First comes the code. Robots’ software is a complex network of instructions that allows them to mimic human behavior. Sometimes these are simple actions, such as walking or lifting objects. Other times it can be more complicated tasks, such as interpreting speech or reading emotions from a person’s face. In addition to this, the previously mentioned deep learning is another technology that allows robots to mimic humans. Using so-called neural networks that mimic the way our brains process information, robots can learn new things by analyzing data, just as we learn from our own experiences.

Then we have sensory technologies. It works like this: humans use their senses to interact with the world, robots use various sensors. These can be cameras instead of eyes, microphones instead of ears, or even touch sensors. All this allows them to better understand and react to the world around them. Another element is mechanics. Robots mimic human movements using various types of motors and mechanisms. Whether it’s walking on two legs, manipulating objects or even expressing emotions through facial expressions – all of this is possible thanks to advanced mechanical technologies. Finally, it is worth mentioning communication technologies. Robots also mimic humans through social interactions, using technologies such as speech synthesizers and facial recognition.

Remember, even though technology allows people to imitate humans, they still lack one thing – humanity. Unless you are working on a robot that writes articles about the essence of being human. Then we have a problem, because I’m about to lose my job….

How do you recognize that you are talking to a bot?

Recognizing a bot can be as difficult as recognizing that your neighbor is a vampire – it may look and act like you, but there are certain signals that can give away its true identity:

  • Response speed – you can recognize a bot by how quickly it responds. A human needs more time to read, process and answer a question.
  • No errors – have you noticed that your conversation is too perfect? Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and typos are a natural part of human communication (believe it happens to everyone). If the conversation is too clean there is a likelihood that your interlocutor is a bot.
  • Templateness – if you notice that your conversation seems extremely templated or repeats the same phrases over and over, you are probably talking to AI.
  • Wrong context – although AI is making progress, a bot can often be unmasked by asking a question that requires an understanding of context or subtleties of language. AI has difficulty interpreting jokes, sarcasm and even idioms.
  • Incorrect information – if you are getting answers that are incorrect or don’t make sense then you are probably talking to a bot.
  • Lack of emotion – bots don’t have emotions, so if your caller responds like Mr. Spock from “Star Trek” be vigilant.

Are you all right? Remember that bots can be excellent companions until they start talking about how they want to take over the world. Only then can you be 100% sure that you are talking to a bot, or a vampire (your neighbor).

Bots and their impact on society – different faces of artificial intelligence

Now you understand that bots are not just the domain of sci-fi movies and dystopian novels, but also a reality that affects our daily lives. That’s why it’s worth exploring how artificial intelligence, and bots in particular, are shaping society.

For starters, let’s talk about work. Bots, especially those based on AI, can speed up, streamline and automate many processes that previously required human intervention. On the surface, this can be seen as a positive – after all, who wouldn’t want jobs like data entry or customer service to be faster and easier? On the other hand, it could mean fewer human jobs.

Next, let’s consider the impact of artificial intelligence on our communications. With chat bots, we can get instant help in solving problems, making purchases and even understanding our own emotions . Unfortunately, there is another side of the coin What if we start relying too much on these digital companions? Could this lead to social alienation? What if the bots start manipulating information? What if they serve to spread false information, and we don’t even notice? The impact of bots on ethics is also worth mentioning. We can create bots that mimic human behavior, but should we? Should we allow bots to make decisions that affect human lives, such as in the case of autonomous cars or credit scoring systems? Should bots have rights?

Artificial intelligence can have many faces, and its impact on society is complex and multidimensional. Remember, however, that we decide how we use the technology. So if you see a protesting bot demanding its rights on the street, it will probably be me, dressed as a robot, looking for inspiration for my next article.

Surviving in an AI world – practical tips

In a world full of bots, artificial intelligence and other technological wonders, survival can seem difficult. Don’t worry, dear Internet users! I have prepared for you some useful tips to help you find your way through this digital maze:

  1. Be an informed user – figure out what technologies you are dealing with. Are you talking to a bot on a website or an AI assistant on your phone? Understanding how and when these technologies are used can help you better manage your online experience.
  1. Always verify the information – artificial intelligence is not infallible and can sometimes give false data. Always verify the information you receive, especially if it is relevant or affects your decisions.
  2. Take care of your data – many AI technologies rely on data analysis. Be aware of what information you share and who can access it. Use strong passwords, update your privacy settings and avoid sharing too much information on public platforms.
  3. Don’t just rely on AI – artificial intelligence can be helpful, but remember that it’s just a tool. It will not replace real people, personal experience or common sense.
  4. Become a creator, not just a consumer – if you are really interested in AI, why not try to learn how it works? There are many resources that can help you understand it.

Finally – remember that AI is there to help us, but we must always be attentive and aware.