#58: The AI Takeover: Beyond the Shiny Objects

On a hot summer day (which happened to be my birthday), I had the pleasure of joining Kevin Benedict on FOB TV, where we delved into the fascinating world of AI and its transformative impact.

Reflecting on my journey, it's been a year since my last appearance on the show, and so much has changed.

Kevin's show, recognized among the top five in social media content by Thinkers360 , has continued to thrive.

I, too, have transitioned to a new role as a Director Expert Analyst at Gartner , a position that excites me immensely as we bring actionable insights in data, analytics and AI to our clients.

Our conversation began with a discussion on the rapid evolution of AI technology. Drawing parallels to past technological revolutions like electricity and automobiles, we noted that while those innovations took decades to reach widespread adoption, generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, reached a million users in just days. This rapid pace is a testament to the interconnectedness of our world today, built on the foundations of earlier technological advancements.

We explored the potential of AI to enhance professional capabilities. Imagine a physician with improved diagnostic tools or companies developing novel medicines and vaccines with greater efficiency. The ability to predict severe weather more accurately could mitigate risks and manage insurance premiums better. These are the real, substantial benefits of AI, beyond the shiny objects like animated photos and voice imitations.

One intriguing concept we discussed was "goal-seeking AI." This idea envisions AI operating autonomously to achieve defined objectives. For instance, driverless cars already navigate from point A to point B with minimal human intervention. Extending this to other rule-based processes could revolutionize various industries.

AI's journey through the Gartner Hype Cycle is another fascinating aspect. Generative AI has crossed the peak of inflated expectations and is now descending into the trough of disillusionment. This phase, while challenging, is crucial as it leads to the slope of enlightenment, where real-world applications will drive productivity and tangible benefits.

Generative AI (GenAI) has passed the Peak of Inflated Expectations, although hype about it continues. In 2024, more value will derive from projects based on other AI techniques, either stand-alone or in combination with GenAI, that have standardized processes to aid implementation.

Moreover, AI's potential to democratize education and mentor startups is immense. The UAE's introduction of an AI board member is a glimpse into this future. Imagine an AI guide accessible to anyone, providing personalized education and strategic advice, leveling the playing field for all.

As we wrapped up our discussion, it was clear that AI's evolution is not just about technology but about reshaping our world. The future of AI is not a distant fantasy but a rapidly approaching reality, with the potential to enhance every aspect of our lives.

p.s. Blast from the Past, my previous appearance on Kevin's show:

Honored and Humbled: Thinkers360 Top 50 for Generative AI and IT Leadership 2024

Extremely honored and humbled for these recognitions. Thanks in no small part due to all of you who read and follow my work, share feedback and join the conversations.

???What Happened to the AI Revolution?

In this article The Economist opines:

Despite the hype, AI's economic impact remains minimal.

Major tech firms like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft are investing heavily, but broader business adoption is slow.

???Key Points:

Adoption:?Only 5% of U.S. businesses use AI regularly.

Challenges:?Data security, biased algorithms, and rapid tech changes hinder adoption.

Current Uses:?Mainly for customer service and marketing, with limited productivity gains.

Economic Impact:?No significant boost in productivity or job displacement seen yet.

???Future Outlook:

AI's transformative potential may take years to materialize. For now, its impact is more promise than reality.

Language is a tool for communication, not for thought

In a recent article in Nature, researchers from the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, including neuroscientist Evelina Fedorenko, argue that language is primarily a tool for communication, not thought. Drawing on evidence from neurobiology, cognitive science, and corpus linguistics, they challenge the intuitive link between language and thought.

Key Findings:

• Separation of Language and Thought: Studies using functional MRI reveal that the brain’s language-processing regions are not engaged during non-linguistic thinking tasks. People with language-processing impairments can still perform complex cognitive tasks, suggesting that language is not necessary for thought.
• Language as a Communication Tool: Linguistic analyses of diverse languages show recurring features optimized for efficient information transfer, supporting the idea that language is designed for communication.

The researchers conclude that while language is a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, it does not drive human cognition. This insight reshapes our understanding of the fundamental nature of language.

For a deeper dive into this groundbreaking research, read the full article in Nature .

Can this have an impact on Generative AI and its current focus on Large "Language" Models? Stay Tuned.

Stay ahead with Gartner's actionable insights and expert guidance on AI:

Signing Off

Why did the genius refuse to learn a new language?

Because he said, "I've already mastered the art of thinking without talking to myself!"

Keep an eye on our upcoming editions for in-depth discussions on specific AI trends, expert insights, and answers to your most pressing AI questions!

Stay connected for more updates and insights in the dynamic world of AI.

For any feedback or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to contact me via LinkedIn.

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p.s. - The newsletter includes smart prompt based LLM generated content. The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are my personal views and opinions.