3. AI & Chatbots
Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows computers to learn and "think" like humans. This means they can make decisions, spot patterns, and even hold conversations. Technologies like Machine Learning (for recommendations) and Natural Language Processing (for chatbots) are key to AI's smart functions. AI is all around us, from your phone's smart features to online suggestions. But it's important to understand how it works and the potential risks.
A chatbot is a computer program designed to talk with you. Many are powered by AI, allowing them to understand your messages and generate human-like responses. They learn from your interactions, making their answers more personalised over time. While chatting with them can feel real, remember, they are just programs without actual feelings.
Imagine you have a really smart helper that can learn and solve problems, almost like a human, but inside a computer. That's basically Artificial Intelligence (AI). It's when computers can do things that usually require human intelligence, like understanding what you say, recognising faces, or even playing games.
Artificial Intelligence
When computers or machines can do things that usually need human thinking, like understanding language or recognising pictures.
Machine Learning
A way AI learns from lots of information (data) to get better at tasks without being told exactly what to do every time.
Bias
When AI makes unfair decisions because it learned from information that isn’t balanced or fair.
Algorithm
A set of rules or instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or do a task. Think of it like a recipe for a computer.
Neural Network
A computer system designed to work like the human brain, helping AI understand and learn complex things.
Deepfake
Fake videos or pictures made by AI that look very real, but they are actually created to trick people.
AI is an incredibly powerful tool, and the more you understand it, the better you can use it to your advantage. AI is when computers or machines are smart enough to do tasks that usually need human thinking, like solving problems, recognising faces, or even talking like we do.
Remember, it's designed to make our lives easier, safer, and open up new possibilities for the future, but it’s not perfect. It learns from us, so we need to use it responsibly, and always think critically about what it tells us.
Here’s why it’s pretty cool:
Makes life easier
Voice assistants (like Siri, Alexa)
Smart maps that find the fastest route
Translation apps for other languages
Helps in health
Detects diseases early
Assists doctors in surgery
Helps manage mental health with chatbots
Powers fun tech
Smart characters in video games
Music and art apps that create with you
Suggests cool shows, songs, and books
Solves big problems
Helps protect nature and wildlife
Predicts earthquakes and floods
Supports clean energy solutions
Supports learning
Recommends videos and activities for you
Helps with reading, writing, or maths
Translates and simplifies information
Although AI is super useful and cool, like any tool, it can also cause problems if it’s not used carefully. Knowing these risks helps you use AI smartly and safely.
What can go wrong
It can make mistakes
AI learns from data and if that data is wrong or unfair, the AI can mess up.
Example: A face scanner might not recognise people with darker skin if it wasn’t trained properly.
Or a chatbot might give weird answers if it was trained on bad info.
Privacy problems
Some AI’s collect tons of personal info without asking.
They might track what you search, say, or even look at.
That info can be shared or sold without you knowing.
Too much dependance
When we rely on AI for everything - directions, answers, even thinking - we stop using our own brains!
It's okay to use AI, but we need to stay sharp and think for ourselves.
It can be biased or unfair
AI can accidentally treat people unfairly, especially if the data it learns from is biased.
It might prefer certain people, genders, or groups over others.
That’s not because it wants to, but because it copies patterns it sees in the data.
Fake stuff and deepfakes
AI can create photos, videos, or voices that look and sound real but aren’t!
This makes it harder to know what’s true online.
It can spread lies, scams, or fake news.
AI and chatbots might seem like magic, but they're powered by massive computer systems that have a real impact on our planet. It's like a hidden cost that we often don't think about.
The hidden costs
Huge energy use
AI and chatbots operate 24/7 in vast data centres, which consume enormous amounts of electricity. Training powerful AI models alone can use as much energy as many homes for a year. Much of this electricity comes from fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Even a simple chatbot query adds to this energy demand.
Massive water use
These data centres generate immense heat, requiring constant cooling systems. This often uses billions of litres of fresh water annually, straining local supplies. A short chatbot interaction can use as much water as a bottle of drinking water just for cooling.
Electronic waste
The constant need for more powerful AI drives the production of new computer hardware, which involves environmentally damaging mining for minerals. When this hardware is replaced, it becomes e-waste, often difficult to recycle and containing toxic chemicals.
Why it matters to you
As young people, you'll use AI more and more. Understanding its environmental footprint means you can:
Be Mindful: Think before every AI query; small choices add up.
Encourage Sustainability: Demand that tech companies use renewable energy and be transparent about their environmental impact.
Being aware helps you use these powerful tools intentionally and responsibly, and make better choices for the planet.
3.5 Chatbots, companions, agents
Chatbots, companions, and agents are all types of conversational AI. They might seem similar because they all involve talking to a computer, but they have different jobs and levels of "smartness."
Chatbots are amazing tools that can be super helpful for quick information and tasks, but remember, they are computer programs, not people. It's smart to enjoy their benefits while also knowing their limits and always thinking critically about the information they give you.
What’s the difference?
Chatbots: These are computer programs designed simply to talk with you. They give quick answers or help with specific tasks. Think of them as a digital information desk, like asking Siri for the weather or getting help on a website. Many use AI to understand what you're saying and respond.
Companions: This type of AI is built to have a more personal, ongoing conversation with you, often offering emotional support. They remember past chats and try to sound friendly or empathetic. They're like a digital friend, designed to make you feel "understood," but remember, they don't actually feel emotions like a human does.
Agents: These are the most advanced. An AI agent doesn't just talk; it's designed to do things for you and achieve goals, often acting independently. You give it a task (like "plan a trip"), and it can use different digital tools (like search engines or booking apps) to get it done. Think of them as a smart, proactive personal assistant.