Navigating the AI Buzz: Understanding the Evolving Audience
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Chapter 1: The Current AI Landscape
Recently, several high-profile launches in generative artificial intelligence, particularly GPT-4 and Bard, ignited a frenzy on social media. Each day seems to introduce new AI products, giving the impression that "AI has finally arrived." It’s easy to believe that humanity has transitioned from science fiction to tangible reality in just a few weeks. However, AI has quietly integrated itself into our digital experiences for years.
AI-generated image created with Midjourney by the author.
Nonetheless, this time feels distinct. A significant technological revolution appears to be underway. To understand what differentiates today's advancements from past AI iterations, let’s reflect on the past decade: 2013–2023.
AI has been a part of our lives for a considerable time, though it often goes unnoticed unless you know where to look. If you’ve used a Google service, for instance, you’ve interacted with AI without realizing it.
The AI of the previous decade was a subtle enhancement to user experience, contrasting sharply with today’s more prominent AI presence. The user experience (UX) philosophy of traditional enterprise-level AI focused on invisibility—keeping AI components hidden from users. Nowadays, there’s a noticeable shift in product philosophy, encouraging users to engage directly with AI features crafted for practical utility rather than seamless integration. (For further insights, read my detailed article on the transformative shift in AI user experience and expectations.)
Section 1.2: Looking Backward
As we continue this exploration, let’s delve deeper into AI's history and consider its development over the previous decades.
Chapter 2: The Impact of AI Hype
The first video titled "Don't Believe The AI Hype! Do This Instead..." discusses the misconceptions surrounding AI hype and offers practical alternatives for users to consider.
The second video titled "It's Here: The 2024 Gartner AI Hype Cycle™" provides an overview of the current trends in AI and their implications for various industries.