Is Artificial Intelligence Dangerous?

I recently listened to a podcast on Science Friday discussing the concerns over the dangers of artificial intelligence.  It has been a hot topic with people like Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking being widely quoted in the media speaking of the dangers of AI.  The guest speakers were Stuart Russel, Eric Horvitz, and Max Tegmark. 

This has been talked about for many decades, but is now being discussed seriously because it is no longer just in the realm of science fiction.

Isaac Asimov’s The Three Laws of Robotics is often referred to:

1.   A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2.   A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3.   A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

The two questions are: Can human beings make a super intelligence that is also unable to deviate from these three rules?  Is it worth the risk?

I think we can and it is, but we need to proceed with caution.  We need to take our time and examine things from every angle.  Rushing to create something just because we can is where the danger lies.  With many previous technologies mistakes were made and damage was done, but it was not irreparable.  The guest speakers’ made a good point about how we may only have one chance to get artificial intelligence right. 

Artificial intelligence is going to happen regardless of who is against it.  It is too big of a discovery/accomplishment for humanity to push aside.  It just is not in human nature.  Now the discussion needs to be:  How do we do this responsibly?

Check out the podcast for yourself:

http://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence/

TED Talk Analysis

I analyzed a TED talk for one of my classes.  These are my thoughts.  I watched Jeremy Howard’s talk about deep learning titled:  The Wonderful and Terrifying Implications of Computers That Can Learn. Deep learning involves one algorithm that allows a computer to learn new things.  Computers can teach themselves to select relevant images from a collection of millions based on the image and not text from a website.  They can perform medical diagnostics to assist pathologists.  Two of the most interesting examples was a computer learning to read and speak Chinese and a computer that could write captions for photos.

The entire talk was example driven.  Photos and videos were used extensively to show how deep learning works and what it is being used for.  The examples were chronologically based starting with a computer that taught itself to play chess in 1962 up to where we are at with deep learning today.  I thought I might be about to watch a long winded lecture, but everything was very fast paced due to the many examples that were squeezed into the 19 minute talk.  

I think the concept of deep learning is fascinating and love seeing new technologies emerge.  It is amazing to see what people can create, and I look forward to seeing the new advances in this area.

Check out this TED talk at:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn#t-352077

Social Media and Business

Social media has become has become an important tool for companies to advertise, build their brand, and interact with consumers.  More and more people are using the internet to find and choose businesses.  Whether they are shopping for a pair of shoes, looking for someone to redo their kitchen, or picking a restaurant, they are looking online.  People are constantly sharing what they like and hate in a matter of seconds online.  Facebook has about a billion users and Twitter has over 300 million active users monthly.  That is a huge base of customers and potential customers.  In our technology driven world it’s foolish for companies not to tap into that. 

I have checked out two companies in different industries to see how they were using Facebook and Twitter.  First is Dr Martens.  I have been a fan of their line of shoes and boots for a long time, and they have quite a dedicated following.  Dr Martens uses both Facebook and Twitter as extensions of their website to promote contests and special events.  Users comment on what they post but there is usually not a back and forth between the company and the consumer.  The way they connect with customers is by encouraging people to send in photos of themselves wearing Dr Martens and have monthly themed contests based on this.  They also advertise special events like in store concerts.

The other company I looked at was Boston Market.  This is a chain whose signature dish is rotisserie chicken.  Like Dr Martens they tend not to interact with fans directly on social media.  They use Facebook and Twitter to advertise specials, new menu items, and special events.  They use both venues for their Trivia Tuesday promotion, where one customer can win a freebie from Boston Market.  They also retweet customers who have posted praise for their food.  I think this is a really great use of Twitter on their part.  The best advertising is word of mouth. 

Both of these companies are very active on Twitter and Facebook.  They do a great job of promoting their brands.   The days of bringing in customers from television commercials and the phone book are over.  Companies who don’t get in on social media are going to find themselves at a huge disadvantage.

Why MATC?

When I decided to go back to school I quickly found that getting my degree in Web and Software Development from MATC was the best path for me to take.  I work full time as a cashier and did not want to be overwhelmed with student loans when I graduated. 

I knew that I wanted to get into programming.  The idea of using logic and creativity together was very appealing.  I love problem solving and creating.  Today's world is filled with all kinds of technology that is constantly growing and changing.  Programmers have a hand in everything, and I want to be a part of that.

MATC’s IT programs are also extremely “real world.”  I am learning how to do things that I will need to know in field, not just talking about how to do them.  In two years I will be able to start my career and apply the things I am learning now.  MATC is my first step to what I know will be a great future.