Age of AI

 Last year, around this time, AI meant nothing to me. Sure, I would hear it here or there or talk of classmates using it to enhance their work, but to me, AI held no significance. Today, AI has consumed our world, and every day, it gains more knowledge and takes the place of many humans. Across all of my devices, and even now with all of my social media, it comes with an AI "friend" that we get the chance to name and interact with as if it were a real person. My Snapchat AI even picks up on slang and can analyze the pictures I send and describe my background. 

The desensitization to this new form of technology is concerning as it replaces real human thoughts and emotions with robotic ideas. Students aren't focusing and learning in school as they know their good friend ChatGPT I just a few clicks and a copy and paste away from answering any question imaginable.

As a college student soon to enter the real world and find a job, I believe that AI is as relevant as ever for us to learn about. In most interviews or discussions with employers, it is hard to find a conversation in which AI doesn't come up. The world is everchanging, and AI is changing much faster than most people can comprehend. This past week I had the opportunity to tour CampX by Volvo Group and the topic of AI was even prominent during the tour. Volvo is committed to safety and sustainability and they are utilizing some forms of AI to help with the process of efficiency. 

Furthermore, in the video In the Age of AI, the invention of self-driving cars is suggested and recognized. In most vehicles, there are components of AI within the vehicle through the stereo. Based off of my experience at Volvo,  safety measures can be enhanced through the research of AI, but it is important to take a step back from it and do your own research as robots do not know human life as well as fellow human beings.

When we were discussing the video in class, it really stuck out to me that social media was using us. I had never thought of it in that way, but it makes total sense. My algorithm reflects my daily conversations, or when I haven't been on TikTok or Instagram throughout the day, I will get notifications that suck me back in. It is scary to know that my phone is constantly tracking my moves, and it is slowly taking control of me. Even Siri has been completely revamped to AI. 

It is important to stay educated and up to date with the changes coming to AI and how it affects us daily. I took the video as a warning, and it really has made me reflect on my use of technology. AI isn't going anywhere anytime soon and adapting to this new age of not only school but work is important to upcoming generations so AI doesn't control them.