Video: What is an AI anyway?

Have you ever stopped to think about what AI (artificial intelligence) pioneers are actually doing? What are these clever scientists, computer technicians and innovators creating? In his compelling TED Talk, What is an AI anyway?, Mustafa Suleyman – an AI entrepreneur – confronts these questions head-on.

AI has become a hot topic of conversation in recent years, especially since 2022, when ChatGPT took the world by storm (over 1 billion people have used a large language model, or LLM, since then). Yet, even those on the cutting edge of this technology struggle to understand it and explain what it is for.

Suleyman advances the case that AI is not simply another tool in the history of mankind’s technological progress, like the invention of the airplane or even the internet. Instead, he argues that AI represents the introduction of a new “digital species.” This is an arresting, unignorable and perhaps terrifying thought. We (humankind) are birthing something like us.

Suleyman admits the metaphor is imperfect and not literal. However, the comparisons between humans and AI cannot be ignored. Both communicate using languages and “see what we [humans] see”. Both consume large quantities of data and can memorise information. Both show hallmarks of personality, reasoning and planning and can act independently if allowed.

At this crucial moment, humanity has an opportunity to define the “boundaries” and delineate what kind of digital species we want to create. Huge global challenges exist, including poor education, inadequate healthcare, climate change and inequality. AI could transform the struggles and bottlenecks currently preventing true progress in such areas.

If this metaphor of a digital species is even partly appropriate, then it is no exaggeration to say that we are now standing at the most important moment in human history – beyond the significance of harnessing the power of the atom. As Suleyman puts it, “This [AI] is not just another invention. AI is itself an infinite inventor …It’s the whole of everything we have created”.

This is perhaps the most surreal TED Talk you might ever watch. It raises sharp questions for everyone to grapple with. How far could the benefits of AI go? What might the unintended consequences be? What relationship could humanity have with its first digital progeny or any progeny that could follow?

This talk is striking and could be overwhelming for some viewers. However, if you allow your mind to dwell on the potential benefits of this huge leap in innovation, AI is also awe-inspiring and exciting. We recommend this TED Talk to you and would love to hear your thoughts!