ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is the simulation or mimicking of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Human intelligence processes comprise learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Similarly, in AI, learning is achieved based on available data by applying techniques known as machine learning (ML). For instance, an AI model trained on medical records can learn to diagnose diseases by analyzing symptoms and historical patient data. AI employs logical reasoning to draw conclusions from available information. For example, in an AI-based time attendance system, AI will reason for the absence/late arrivals of certain employees, with inferences such as weather conditions, traffic routes availability, etc. Whereas a conventional database system will not be able to reason such results. While solving problems, AI algorithms tackle complex problems by breaking them down into smaller components.
Although human beings have been making endeavors to build machines that can replicate human functions for quite some time, a tangible outcome was produced by Alan Turing, who put forward a test known as the Turing Test. According to this test, a machine is intelligent if it makes humans think. In 1956, John McCarthy introduced the term Artificial Intelligence as the “science and engineering of making intelligent machines.” In 1964, Joseph Weizenbaum built a program named ELIZA, which is known as the first Chatbot. However, an AI winter was observed from then onwards till the mid-1990s when the digital revolution ushered in new enthusiasm for development in the domain of AI. Deep Blue, an AI-aided computer system, defeated chess champion Garry Kasparov. Subsequently, the digital revolution and availability of big data paved the way for more robust solutions in AI. Towards the end of 2022, OpenAI came forward with a conversational chatbot known as ChatGPT, marking a new era of generative AI.
Research in AI is mainly divided into two subfields, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. Machine Learning primarily comprises algorithms whose performance improves as they are exposed to more data over time. Whereas Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning where multi-layered neural networks learn from a vast amount of data. With the availability of enormous textual data and improved computing capabilities, another domain of AI commonly known as Generative AI emerged. This is based on deep learning with advanced types of neural networks known as transformer neural networks. This form of AI allows computers to generate all sorts of new and exciting content, from music and art to entire virtual worlds.
Initially, OpenAI came forward with ChatGPT in November 2022. However, Google has also launched its GPT platform known as Bard, which is being further improved as Gemini. Microsoft is working on its own platform known as Copilot. Governments and political actors around the world, in both democracies and autocracies, are using AI to generate texts, images, and video to manipulate public opinion in their favor and to automatically censor critical online content. In India, authorities in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Administration ordered YouTube and Twitter to restrict access to a documentary about violence during Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat which in turn encourages the tech companies to filter content through AI-based moderation tools. Pakistan is one of the youngest populations of the world. Mobile density in the country is almost 80% of the total population. Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing freelancing economies where remittance by freelancers exceeded $400 million. The Pakistani nation in general and the young, in particular, are very active in creating content using generative AI tools. Political actors also embedded generative AI during the recent election campaign for outreach to their intended audience.
It is worth noting that during the 2024 elections, an enormous activity was witnessed on social media platforms where opponent political actors were busy competing to further their message. These elections were less violent and rowdy compared to any other previously held elections in the country. AI is here, and nation-states are competing to maximize their benefits. It is alarming that most of the developments in the AI domain are being done in the private sector, thus without government control for regulation. Like any other previous technological advancement, like the fission reaction which paved the way for nuclear energy besides the development of the ultimate weapon, the nuclear bomb. The adversarial use of nuclear technology was never repeated after WW-II. It is also expected that AI will serve humanity with advancements in healthcare, transportation, education, etc., besides integrating the world by overcoming language and cultural barriers.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
views expressed are writer’s own.
