AI & GenAI: Don’t fear, just embrace it

AI and GenAI technologies are not new. It is just that in November 2022 when ChatGPT was introduced, it shook many governments across the world, academics, and a host of other people.

They feared it. The history of these technologies can be traced back to 1950s when the concept of AI began to take shape with pioneers like Alan Turing and John McCarthy.

Turing proposed the idea of machines that could mimic human intelligence, while McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence”.

In the 1960-70s early AI research focused on symbolic AI and rule-based systems. Between 1990-2000s AI research shifted towards machine learning, with significant advancements in neural networks and algorithms. IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov.

The present day is witnessing technologies like natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and autonomous systems.

AI applications now span various industries, from healthcare to finance. Similarly, the roots of GenAI can be traced back to early AI experiments like ELIZA, which generated human-like text responses.

Forty years ago, the development of statistical models like Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) laid the groundwork for generative models. In 2014, Ian Goodfellow introduced Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), a breakthrough in GenAI.

November 2022 saw the introduction of GenAI into mainstream with applications like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and other tools that generate highquality text, images, and audio. These technologies are transforming creative industries and everyday tasks. Initially, there was a knee jerk reaction to GenAI.

Academics to Governments across the world thought it to be a biggest disrupter and a technology to be feared. Soon things started becoming clear that AI and GenAI will continue to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve. In fact, AI and Generative AI (GenAI) should be embraced for their potential to revolutionise industries and improve daily life.

They enhance efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, enabling humans to focus on more creative and strategic endeavours. In healthcare, AI can accelerate drug discovery and improve diagnostics. In education, GenAI can provide personalised learning experiences.

Additionally, AI can drive innovation, leading to new products, services, and business models. Today, the naked eye can see the evidence of adoption of AI and GenAI in practically all sphere of life. AI has struck a new fusion between human and machine languages.

In India this can empower every child to start programming in their own vernacular language. The NEP 2020 has initiated a mandate for coding classes from class 6 onwards.

Students can learn how to code using AI assistant all in a natural language. Recently Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated “We have moved from talking about AI to applying AI.”

Wipro’s new CEO Srinivas Pillai at the company’s 78th AGM said GenAI will be an opportunity to be leveraged. Curiosity on the adoption of new technology was also observed by shareholders of India’s top two IT services companies TCS and Infosys at their AGMs.

It is interesting to note that the banking industry in India is placing faith in this technology. Country’s top lenders State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank are using GenAI to change the way their services are consumed. BFSI sector has been one of the fastest adopters of this technology.

What is interesting about AI, GenAI is that it shot to fame by generating audio, written and video content by merely receiving a prompt. Of course, the dark side of this technology can’t be ignored.

Bias and incorrect info may creep in. It all depends on the best use of human intelligence to overcome this. Thus AI, GenAI and Human Intelligence coexist. Don’t fear AI, GenAI, embrace and use it with your intelligence!