In the early days when my path crossed with the wonders of digital technology, I paid much attention to exploring the depth of the amazing revolution caused by this invention—the computer. My experiences with technology have shaped my understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) in profound ways, even before I was aware of its formal definitions and implications. In this post, I will share insights into various aspects of AI that I perceived during my journey, highlighting how these technologies laid the groundwork for the AI revolution we are witnessing today.
1. The Virus Business
There was a peculiar enemy I got to know early in my venture into digital technology - malicious software (malware) that operates within the digital landscape. I learned that some notorious programmers write code "to steal, to kill, and to destroy." I've looked into the history of this, and I see it was an age-long issue. There are software programs that can literally hijack PCs, often demanding ransom for their return (ransomware). Interestingly, I learned that some antivirus companies intentionally create viruses to sell their products. As someone once said, “virus business is a good business”. As far as this curse is found, I see it as akin to AI, as malware automates and replicates itself across devices.
2. The Power of Data Processing - Excel Spreadsheet
There was a time I had a graphics design project that involved filling up some people's bio-data. I was almost through with filling up the data of about 100 people. This took me a lot of days. In my frustration, I thought within myself, "Can't there be a better way to get output using my prior knowledge about data entry and data analysis?" I made my research, and this has saved my time in subsequent projects. I've applied the power of data in many other aspects like school management systems, website design, research, directory management, and personnel management. With this knowledge, projects that could take a whole month could be solved in just a day. Since AI is also about time-saving, I see it as a primitive form of AI. Later, my knowledge about coding and programming advanced on this.
3. The Computer Has a Mouth - Text-to-Speech (TTS)
I'm not a book type, though I appreciate knowledge that is relevant to me. However, much of this knowledge resides within books. I often wished that the computer could read aloud while I listened. That's when Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology comes into play. TTS enables the conversion of written text into spoken words by the computer. It allows users to listen to text-based content, which can be beneficial for those who prefer auditory learning or need accessibility features.
4. The Computer Has an Ear - Speech-to-Text (STT)
Sometime, I feel like transcribing my audio recordings. So, I instruct the computer to take note of what I'm said during conferences or training sessions. STT, or Speech-to-Text, utilizes Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology to convert spoken words into text or transcribe audio into text format. This technology allows for convenient and efficient transcription of spoken language, enabling users to capture spoken information accurately and quickly.
5. The Computer Can See and Recognize - Recognition Technologies
Since my first encounter with the PC, I have always assume be role of a lazy typist. Though, I'm now better with the keyboard than then, I feel like not typing any transcript. Then I found the power of COMPUTER VISION. Computers are intelligent enough to perceive and recognize various elements through recognition technologies collectively known as computer vision. Sometimes, information is concealed within patterns and imagery in the form of QR codes and barcodes. Computers can identify these patterns and process them accordingly. A typical application is Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) for marking examination papers. OCR converts text in hard copies written in clean typographic fonts into editable text. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) converts handwritten text into editable soft copy text. Face recognition technology is employed in security intelligence for tracking criminals and other purposes. Image recognition technology is widely adopted by stock libraries and search engines for various purposes like copyrighted content detection.
6. Language Translation Without Interpreters
Another aspect that fascinated me before 2022 was the realization that language is not a barrier to knowledge. There were textbooks originally written in a language unfamiliar to me that I was able to read thanks to this technology. I can communicate with foreigners even without understanding each other's languages. Language translation technology has bridged communication gaps and facilitated access to information across linguistic boundaries.
7. The Power of Search Engines, Internet, and Beyond
Before ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs), there was Google and other search engines. To some extent, I delved into the depths of search engines beyond the superficial. I obtained almost every piece of information I needed via the web, although it might take time and require minimal input and resources. In this quest, I've even learned how to build my website or build for others. 'The internet beyond' represents another facet; there are many other things hidden from the 'eyes of babes' on the network space.
8. Algorithm - You Are Being Watched
Someone once commented that whenever he contemplated purchasing a product online, he received similar ads suggesting the same product on social media or online stores. Another person responded that he hadn't even verbalized his thoughts; the product was simply on his mind. Algorithms can predict our behaviors based on our historical interactions and profiles; they analyze our preferences to tailor personalized experiences.
9. Automation & Robotics
Imagine a world where mundane tasks like updating Facebook posts or sending emails are seamlessly automated, freeing up valuable time for more creative endeavors. For instance, consider a small business owner who uses automation tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) to streamline their workflow; every time they receive an email inquiry, the tool automatically posts a response on their social media accounts, ensuring timely communication without manual effort. Similarly, a writer might set up an automation that schedules their blog posts to publish at optimal times based on audience engagement data, allowing them to focus on content creation rather than logistics. As we transition into the era of AI, these automation tools are evolving into more sophisticated systems powered by machine learning algorithms that can learn from user behavior and optimize processes in real-time. For example, advanced AI-driven platforms can analyze social media interactions to determine the best times for posting, automatically adjusting schedules to maximize reach and engagement. This integration of AI into automation not only enhances efficiency but also empowers individuals and businesses to operate more intelligently in an increasingly fast-paced digital landscape.
10. Understanding Money Beyond Cash - Market Currency and Financial Intelligence
Technology has redefined how our world operates regarding transactions beyond cash. In current era, time, strength, information, and people all hold value. Understanding money beyond cash involves recognizing the diverse forms of value in today's digital economy, where time, information, and personal connections can be as valuable as traditional currency. For instance, I as a freelance graphic designer leverages online platforms to sell my services; exchange my time and creativity for payment in currency and cryptocurrency, which can be instantly transferred across borders without the need for banks. Similarly, an entrepreneur might use an auto-trading bot in the forex market to automate their trading strategies, allowing them to capitalize on market fluctuations without constantly monitoring prices. In another scenario, a community member might barter their skills—such as teaching coding—to gain access to a coworking space, illustrating how personal strengths can be utilized as currency. These examples highlight how technology has transformed transactions, enabling new forms of financial intelligence that go beyond mere cash exchanges.
11. Navigating the Real World Through the Virtual World
Navigating the real world through the virtual world has become increasingly seamless thanks to GIS mapping applications like Google Maps, which allow users to explore unfamiliar places with ease. For instance, I recall a journey I took to Lagos where, despite knowing my destination's address, I was unsure of the route to get there. With Google Maps on my smartphone, I simply entered the address and was guided step-by-step, avoiding the need to stop and ask for directions. This technology not only provided real-time traffic updates but also suggested alternate routes to avoid congestion, making my journey more efficient. The integration of AI in these mapping apps enhances their functionality by learning from user behavior and improving route suggestions over time. As AI algorithms analyze traffic patterns and user preferences, they enable a more personalized navigation experience, showcasing how technology can bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds while empowering individuals to navigate confidently in real life.
12. Photo Editing and Manipulation Plus Background Remover - Photoshop Magic
Digital technology has revolutionized photo editing processes, transforming how we manipulate images with tools like Photoshop that now leverage AI-driven advancements for tasks such as background removal. For instance, a photographer preparing for a client presentation might initially spend hours manually cutting out backgrounds from images, ensuring each detail is perfect. However, with the introduction of AI-powered background remover tools, this process can be completed in mere seconds, allowing the photographer to focus on enhancing the overall composition and creativity of their work. Imagine a graphic designer who needs to create promotional materials quickly; they can simply upload an image to a photo editing app equipped with AI capabilities that automatically detects and removes backgrounds, providing them with a clean slate to work from. This not only streamlines their workflow but also enhances productivity, enabling them to produce high-quality visuals in less time. As AI continues to evolve, these tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, learning from user preferences and improving accuracy over time, thus empowering creatives to push the boundaries of their artistic expression while minimizing tedious manual tasks.
These were my experiences before 2022; these technologies continue improving in this era of AI revolution. In my next post, I will discuss both hindrances against AI's progress and explore two major schools of thought regarding artificial intelligence: optimism/Utopian versus pessimism/Dystopian prophecies. I'm looking forward for your comments.