Dispatch: The Global Neural Network - Are You Plugged In?
Why AI is The New Universal Translator That's Decoding Reality
Hello Friend,
We had snow for the first time in Brighton this week, isn’t it pretty?
No snowball fights just yet for me, especially as I’ve been unwell with a chest infection for 2 weeks, I’m almost better now thankfully.
I’ve been thinking how we can better understand the impact of AI on business and society. Many compare it to previous technological revolutions, such as the agricultural, industrial or internet revolutions.
But I think those comparisons are misleading. Why?
While it’s true, all of these are technologies & tools, I think there’s something radically new and different about AI to any technology before.
AI is not a tool like a factory machine, a web page, or even a computer.
AI is a technology of intelligence, which is arguably the most powerful thing that makes our species more capable than any other. Also, AI is changing much faster than the agricultural, industrial or internet revolutions ever did.
Here are some analogies to think about what AI is as a technology:
AI as a Global Brain: Imagine a vast, interconnected neural network spanning the entire planet, constantly learning, adapting, and solving problems. This "global brain" represents how AI is creating a collective intelligence that transcends individual human capabilities.
AI as a Universal Translator: Not just for languages, but for translating complex data, ideas, and patterns across all domains of human knowledge. This analogy captures AI's ability to bridge gaps in understanding and unlock insights previously hidden from human perception.
AI as a Time Machine: By processing vast amounts of data and predicting outcomes, AI allows us to "see into the future" in ways never before possible, revolutionising decision-making in business and society.
AI as a Cognitive Exoskeleton: Just as an exoskeleton enhances physical strength, AI acts as a cognitive amplifier, dramatically boosting human mental capabilities across various tasks and disciplines.
Can you think of other analogies to describe what AI is? Do let me know.
So this week as promised, I completed the final guides of my new course Learn Make: AI & Automation for Business which you will find below.
And in case you missed it previously, I also include this week my popular collaboration with : Solarpunk and AI: Crafting a Sustainable Future.
I wish you a healthy week, wherever you are in the world…
Take care,
Pranath
