AI, Explained: Why It’s Different This Time | WSJ Tech News Briefing

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

The host introduces the topic of artificial intelligence and its increasing prevalence in modern technology.

What is AI?

• AI refers to any technology that can reason, learn, plan, and make decisions.

• Machine learning is a form of AI that allows computers to learn tasks on their own by identifying patterns in data.

• Algorithms need large amounts of data for training before they can accurately perform tasks on their own.

Generative AI

The discussion focuses on generative AI and how it differs from other forms of AI.

How does generative AI work?

• Generative AI tools like Chat GPT learn from vast amounts of text to create a language model that allows them to process language quickly and make associations between questions and answers.

• These tools do not have knowledge like humans but are able to respond based on what they have learned from books or websites.

Introduction to AI

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of neural networks and how they mimic the way our brain works. They also discuss some common applications of AI in our daily lives.

What is AI?

• AI uses neural networks to identify images, patterns, text, and facial expressions by working on several levels and nodes of processing.

• AI has been integrated into apps we use on our phones such as navigation apps and Google search bar. It is also used by law firms to search massive amounts of cases for references.

• It's important to understand how these algorithms affect people.

Public Perception of AI

• People have mixed feelings about AI. Some believe it's necessary while others are skeptical or scared.

• The current moment in AI feels different from developments in the past due to the introduction of large language models like GPT that have remarkable human-like abilities.

Risks Associated with AI

• Large language models like GPT pose risks such as accuracy bias in facial recognition and failure in system.

• These risks are manageable through more data to train on, better lighting and images for facial recognition, and using training sets with more black and brown faces. The existential risk that AI will take over has not yet been seen.

AI Facial Recognition Technologies

The use of AI facial recognition technologies is expanding in federal agencies to limit access to buildings and make determinations on employees. Europe has put in new rules to regulate AI, which may affect businesses and society.

Expansion of AI Facial Recognition Technologies

• Many federal agencies are expanding their use of AI facial recognition technologies.

• These technologies are being used to limit access to buildings and make determinations on employees.

• The expansion of these technologies raises concerns about privacy and security.

Regulation of AI in Europe

• Europe has put in new rules to regulate AI.

• There are more concerns about the use of AI in Europe than in other parts of the world.

• It remains to be seen how these regulations will affect businesses and society.

Conclusion

This episode concludes with a preview for the next episode where questions submitted by viewers will be answered.

Preview for Next Episode

• The next episode will answer questions submitted by viewers on artificial intelligence.

• Regular episodes of Tech News Briefing can be found throughout the week.

• For more tech news, visit wsj.com.

Credits

• Today's show was produced by Julie Chang.

• Our supervising producer is Melanie Roy, and our executive producer is Chris Sinsley.

• This show was mixed by Michael LaValle, and I'm your host Zoe Thomas.