ML vs Deep Learning vs Generative AI

Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Generative AI are accelerating business.

It is important to understand them so that we can be contributors in these changing times. Being able to differentiate between the three will lead you to have more effective strategic conversations on the future of your organization.

Machine Learning

At its core, Machine Learning is about identifying patterns in data to make predictions or classifications.

ML is usually built around several key components:

Algorithms: a set of mathematical transformations that occur on data.

Datasets: unformatted or formatted collections of information that models learn from.

Features: patterns or variables derived from datasets. They are the building blocks of the data that help the algorithm make decisions.

Labels: classifications that help the algorithm differentiate between objects.

Machine Learning is designed to identify patterns and relationships in data, enabling software to make predictions or classifications on new, unseen data.

Essential functions and properties

• Enables systems to autonomously learn and improve without being explicitly programmed.
• Focuses on analyzing and interpreting existing data, then providing insights on new data.
• Can work with smaller data sets and simpler problems.
• It is usually necessary to manually engineer features into the algorithm (this is not the case in Deep Learning).
• Excel at tasks like classification, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics.

Examples of Machine Learning Applications

• Recommendation systems: powers platforms like Netflix or Amazon to suggest what to watch or buy.
• Predictive analytics: used in Finance, Marketing, and Healthcare to forecast trends or detect fraud.
• Medical diagnostic tools: enhances the ability to analyze patient data to detect diseases early.

Deep Learning

Deep Learning is a subset of Machine Learning that takes it a step further by employing deep neural networks— algorithms modeled on the human brain’s structure. Its main purpose is advanced pattern recognition.

Deep Learning is commonly built around several key components:

• Large datasets: deep learning thrives on a lot of data. The more high quality data, the better it performs.
• Layers: each layer detects different levels of patterns, in a hierarchical way that builds on top of the previous levels.
• Weights: adjustable parameters that help the model fine-tune its understanding of the data and generate more accurate results.

Deep Learning algorithms take giant quantities of data, find patterns inside of them using many layers of neural networks, and use these patterns to run analytics and make decisions. In essence, Deep Learning is an evolved form of Machine Learning.

Essential functions and properties

• In most cases, these neural networks use layers and weights to detect patterns autonomously, without needing feature engineering.
• Excel in autonomous systems due to more advanced capabilities.
• Use many layers of neural networks, which is why this kind of learning is ‘Deep’.
• Often outperform traditional ML techniques in areas like image recognition, language understanding, and autonomous systems.
• Lower need for human intervention because it self-learns, yet they require giant amounts of data.

Examples of Deep Learning Applications

• Image recognition: self-driving cars, production line robots, and facial recognition.
• Natural language processing (NLP): powering chatbots, virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.
• Healthcare: advanced disease detection and personalized medicine.

Generative AI

Generative AI gives individuals the ability to create. Its architecture usually leverages deep learning techniques to simulate human creativity. It doesn’t just recognize or classify existing data—it creates new content.

Generative AI is usually composed of several components:

• Training Data: the datasets used to train generative models that power their ability to generate new, relevant content. Training data is usually human-generated content.
• Weights: numerical values that the model adjusts during training to improve its ability to generate realistic content.
• Models: the core algorithms responsible for creating the new data.
• Prompt: the user input that guides the creation of the output.

Essential functions and properties

• Is often built on top of Deep Learning techniques.
• Creates content based on data derived from human-created content.
• Generates new data including text, images, voice, and music.
• Is adaptable and can change its output based on your guidance.
• Employed in creative domains and advanced simulations.
• Can work with labeled and unlabeled data, allowing for flexible applications.
• Needs extensive training data.

Examples of Generative AI Applications

• Image generation: creates unique, multi-style images based on text prompts.
• Text generation: creates human-like written content from wide and/or narrow datasets.
• Code generation: creates snippets of functional and dysfunctional code, sometimes with multi-step reasoning techniques.
• Intelligent chatbots: using retrieval-augmented generation, chatbots pull information from knowledge bases to respond accurately.
• Voice generation: AI-generated voices that can sound like you, new people, or celebrities.
• Music composition: AI-created ‘original’ music tracks.

Conclusion

In sum, each of these technologies builds on the principles of data analysis and autonomous learning.

• Machine Learning is about autonomously predicting new outcomes from historical data.
• Deep Learning expands on Machine Learning by identifying complex patterns and working autonomously with larger datasets.
• Generative AI goes beyond recognition, creating new content and simulating creativity.

Together, these technologies are playing an important role in shaping the future, from personalized recommendations, to autonomous systems, to creative AI that will eventually be able to create virtual worlds.

AI isn’t just learning—it’s evolving. And as it does, the possibilities for innovation across industries are endless.

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Sources

1. Marr, Bernard. "The Vital Difference Between Machine Learning and Generative AI." Forbes, 25 June 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/06/25/the-vital-difference-between-machine-learning-and-generative-ai/.
2. "Generative AI vs. Machine Learning: How Are They Different?" TechTarget, www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/tip/Generative-AI-vs-machine-learning-How-are-they-different. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
3. "AI vs. Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning vs. Neural Networks." IBM, www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-vs-machine-learning-vs-deep-learning-vs-neural-networks. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.