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I mentioned in a previous article that I went to an artificial intelligence (AI) conference recently. One of the things that I found interesting was the conversation about AI and automation. While they are related, they’re definitely not the same.
Automation is setting up a technology that follows a defined order. For example, if I say ABC, then the technology will do XYZ. A common example in HR technology is when a candidate is no longer being considered for a job opening, the applicant tracking system (ATS) automatically sends an email letting the candidate know and thanking them for their time.
Artificial intelligence is a technology designed to replicate human thinking. An example might be if an employee has questions about a company benefit, they are able to get answers 24/7/365 using a chatbot.
This is where the intersection of automation and AI gets interesting. Because the definition of AI is to replicate human thinking, the goal of artificial intelligence isn’t to simply automate. The reason that organizations automate is to free up employees’ time for more valuable activities. So, using AI to simply automate, isn’t allowing AI to be as valuable as it should be.
That being said, before AI can get to the place where it’s doing more than automation and bringing high value, it needs to learn. And this is where us humans come in. If we’re using artificial intelligence, then we need to help the AI technology learn.
Think of it like a training class. We go to training and learn something. If we immediately apply what we’ve learned, then the chances of retaining that information / skill increases. If we don’t get the opportunity to apply what we learned in training, then it’s possible we won’t remember it.
Again, it brings us back to the importance of using artificial intelligence to help it learn so it can bring the most value.
It also raises a point about asking how technology providers are training their artificial intelligence. I’m not sure if you’ve seen it but there have been recent articles indicating that some technology providers are using a database called Library Genesis (aka LibGen) to teach their AI. In addition, there are reports of individuals and organizations challenging LibGen because they claim it devalues an author’s work.
You can do your own research and decide if you have an opinion about LibGen. I’m bringing it up because it’s one example of how AI is learning. And it seems to me that organizations and individuals purchasing and using AI tools will want to know that the AI they’re using is legit. Because if the goal is to have artificial intelligence replicate human thinking … well, then you want need it to be legit.
A while ago, I published an article talking about setting artificial intelligence goals. This conversation about automation and AI is a great example. If all an organization is trying to do is automate, then buying an AI tool might be overspending. However, if the goal is to truly get the most from artificial intelligence, then having an understanding of its learning process is essential.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Orlando, FL
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