Tech manufacturers recognize consumers are thirsting for AI solutions to make their lives easier.
Although artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, its potential is limitless. Already, there are AI solutions that can automate mundane tasks, analyze data and reroute us around traffic jams. It can touch up our photos, figure out what time we wake up so our smartphones are fully charged and much more.
Some tech-savvy individuals are willing to turn over more of their personal and professional lives to AI. However, AI is still just a tool. It is there as a personal assistant, but does not replace human expertise.
Recently, the Lee County Clerk of Courts invited Manny Gonzalez, Priority Marketing’s Senior Director of Web Services, to lead two workshops covering AI solutions. The sessions, titled “AI and You: Reconstructing Your Life” touched on the potential benefits of artificial intelligence in our lives.
“People don’t realize just how powerful the smartphone has become,” Manny said at the Clerk of Court’s annual In-service Day for employees. “We’ve only just scratched the surface of AI’s capabilities.”
Manny helped drive home his points with some poignant statistics revealed by SearchLogistics:
- 95% of smartphone users say they use a built-in AI-powered voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana and Alexa).
- 45% of U.S. households own a smart speaker and 26% planned to purchase one soon.
- 85% of online customer service interactions were responded to be an AI-powered chatbot.
“AI is no longer just something from a sci-fi movie,” Manny said. “It’s reshaping our lives.”
Automation vs. AI
Manny started his presentation by explaining the difference between automation and artificial intelligence. IBM defines automation as “the application of technology, programs, robotics or processes to achieve outcomes with minimal human input.” Meanwhile, the tech company notes AI “is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.”
Simply put, automation follows predetermined rules – we tell it what to do. It performs the same task over and over without changing. Some examples of automation include:
- A coffeemaker programmed to start brewing daily at 6 a.m.
- A vehicle’s cruise control that maintains speeds on a highway.
- The email filter that automatically moves certain messages into a specific folder.
On the other hand, AI learns and adapts. AI developers are creating technology that can dynamically respond to new information and complete tasks without human intervention. Although this concept concerns some people, its uses are already widely accepted:
- Netflix suggests movies based on the genre and types of movies we previously watched.
- YouTube recommends videos based on music or content from our listening/viewing history.
- Google Maps shows suggested routes to work, home or school based on current traffic flow.
The Importance of Good Prompts
Artificial intelligence is only good as the information it receives. Certain models, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, rely on humans as a guide. Strong communication is essential when developing AI solutions.
“If you don’t know how to explain what you want to the models or chatbots, then it won’t give you anything useful in return,” Manny said.
The importance of good prompts cannot be understated. For instance, typing “What is the weather today?” into ChatGPT prompted the chatbot to return this as a reply: “The current weather in San Jose, California, is sunny and hot, with a high of 96°F today and a low of 65°F tonight. Winds are light, coming from the northwest at around 5-10 mph. Tomorrow’s forecast predicts similar conditions, with temperatures reaching 100°F under sunny skies.”
Unfortunately, not specifying the location meant the response was effectively useless. Typing “What is the weather today in Fort Myers, Florida?” elicited a much different response: “Today’s weather in Fort Myers, Florida, includes scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m., with mostly sunny skies earlier in the day. The high temperature is around 90°F, with heat index values reaching up to 100°F, so it will feel quite warm. Tonight, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 76°F. There’s a 40% chance of rain during the evening. Winds will be light, coming from the east at about 5 to 8 mph.”
Manny suggests focusing on four elements while creating prompts on AI models or chatbots:
- Clarity: This helps reduce the chances of being misinterpreted.
- Specificity: This explains exactly what you need or want.
- Creativity: This helps generate results that are more innovative or outside the box.
- Efficiency: This saves time while minimizing any back-and-forth clarifications.
AI Solutions: Wowing the Crowd
In 2020, researchers released a study noting the average couple argues 156 times each year over dinner. What to eat and where to eat are the sticking points.
Manny sought an AI solution. Can AI make mealtimes easier for couples and families, he asked. He started the demonstration by asking AI to generate a list of 40 dinner options for individuals with nut allergies, gluten intolerance and sugar-free diets. He then asked for an aesthetically pleasing version of the report mapped on a calendar, making it easier to see what’s for dinner each day. Manny then asked AI to generate a list of ingredients needed to prepare each meal, effectively producing a grocery list. And, of course, AI can generate recipes and even photos that show what the finished product should look like. The list can even be exported into a shopping app for those who want their grocery items delivered.
“The field of AI is advancing at such a rapid pace,” Manny said. “Five years ago, it was laughable that AI would someday be able to generate artwork or draft a script. Now, AI is creating works of art and writing scripts for Super Bowl commercials.”
A Warning About Security
Unlike online banks, health care providers, educational institutions and e-commerce websites, not all artificial intelligence models and chatbots are secure. Manny advises to avoid including certain types of information when working in these programs or apps:
- Personal identifying information: name, date of birth, address and telephone number.
- Financial information: bank names, account numbers and balances.
- Login credentials: usernames and passwords.
- Private medical information: medical history and prescriptions.
- Confidential work info: client information, finances, payroll and account numbers.
- Private communications: conversations that generally are personal or confidential.
- Legal information: documents, account numbers or items protected under attorney-client privilege.
- Intimate personal details: topics or conversations that are considered secret or private.
- Anything illegal: potential misdemeanors or felonies.
“Cybersecurity is always a concern when using any digital device, and when AI is involved, you should operate under the assumption that someone or something out there is monitoring your activities,” Manny said.
Priority Marketing’s in-house Web Services Team offers web design, development, hosting, maintenance and security, as well as server and domain management. Interested in learning more about potential AI solutions for your business or organization? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to LetsTalk@PriorityMarketing.com.
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