Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for many years, but recently, thanks to generative AI tools, we now have direct access to this technology.
Everyday uses of artificial intelligence include facial recognition software and search engines. However, with access to generative AI platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and ChatGPT, we can now input our own data and utilise these platforms to assist us with everyday tasks. These platforms utilise large datasets to generate new content, including text, images, and sound.
Everyone reading this has undoubtedly used an AI application. But, to fully benefit from these tools and use them responsibly, it’s valuable to understand how they can both help and hinder us.
In this post, we’ll talk more about AI, examples of AI in action, the psychology of AI and some concerns for the future of AI. We’ll also share how you can upskill with SACAP Global and build practical skills to use AI tools.
AI is already here: AI in daily life
AI is not a futuristic concept; it’s already here, and has actually been a part of our lives for decades. The term “artificial intelligence” was coined in the late 1950s by John McCarthy, so it’s not a new concept. Today, however, we can access these tools ourselves, which changes the way we use them.
A prime example of using AI in daily life is conducting a Google search. When we enter text or keywords, Google’s proprietary algorithms scan the internet and then deliver the most relevant content. For many years, this has been the first port of call for navigating the internet, searching for all kinds of information, including for work and educational purposes.
However, many people have now turned to generative AI tools to find relevant information and create content. Therefore, it is now a priority to become familiar with the everyday uses of AI and its limitations, as well as how to work with these tools, both critically and ethically.
AI for everyday: examples of AI in action
While generative AI is a focus, given our direct access to these tools, there are many other professional, educational and mental health applications of AI. Chatbots and smart assistants are typical practical applications of AI. From instructing your Google Nest to play music, and entering basic prompts in a chatbot interface on a website, we are all likely familiar with using smart assistants and chatbots.
Here are some other AI for everyday examples:
Netflix recommendations
AI can recognise patterns and use them to provide recommendations. Therefore, what you watch on Netflix will influence the recommendations the platform makes to you, as well as the types of shows that appear on your screen when you log in.
Translation and language accessibility
Another prominent example of the many practical applications of AI is translation. In South Africa, only a small percentage of the population speaks English, which many AI tools use. Organisations like Bothlale AI utilise chatbots to translate English into various South African languages, ensuring access to tools such as online banking.
Fitness and wearable technology
In the world of fitness and wearable technology (such as Apple Watch or Oura rings), AI can analyse data about your physical health. By recognising patterns in this data, it provides insights into your overall wellness, including statistics on heart rate and sleep quality.
Smart appliances
Smart homes are another example of how AI is taking pattern recognition and deep learning to optimise our lives. Certain appliances, such as the Samsung AI Family Hub, utilise AI to scan the contents of your fridge and provide recommendations on what to cook for dinner.
Why understanding AI matters: the psychology of AI
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and use generative AI tools without much consideration for where our data is going, where it comes from, or how this use affects our psychological wellbeing. With the exponential growth of these tools, it’s essential to consider the psychology of AI, especially when it comes to AI mental health tools.
Since AI operates on data input, we must be aware that these tools may reflect certain biases, which can lead to unfair discrimination. For instance, facial recognition tools may be inaccurate, leading to wrongful arrests for crimes people didn’t commit, as has occurred in the US. Algorithm bias can also impact our decision-making and create “echo chambers”. An echo chamber happens when we only consume information that reflects our own biases, affecting our critical thinking abilities.
When it comes to mental health, AI mental health tools offer many benefits, especially in terms of administration and providing a first port of call for people seeking support. However, AI is intelligent, but not necessarily emotionally intelligent, beyond being trained to respond to specific cues. So, it can be problematic for people to rely too much on technology for emotional support.
Using AI can also affect our motivation, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, it can help us generate ideas and develop strategies for managing our lives in creative ways. However, when we become too reliant on technology, we can start to lose our inherent drive, as we constantly look to technology to validate and support us.
Therefore, it’s critical to develop durable human skills, such as communication and empathy, to maintain supportive relationships and cultivate resilience in an age of AI.
What’s next? How AI is changing the world
There’s no doubt that AI is developing rapidly, and while we might try our best to stay ahead of the curve, there are likely many changes to come that we can’t predict, including the impact of more advanced AI agents. However, if we make an effort to understand how AI is changing the world, we can begin to work alongside these tools to enhance our own development and personal growth.
One of the most critical aspects of preparing ourselves for future developments is to embrace human-AI collaboration. New technology might feel scary, but when we take charge and recognise that we have agency, we can use AI more constructively.
Artificial intelligence in education is one of the most prominent areas for growth. Understanding how to use AI in everyday life is, therefore, critical, as this will translate into how we learn, whether we are completing a formal qualification or not. Both personal and academic integrity come with learning to use AI responsibly from the start.
Conclusion: How to upskill in an age of AI
It’s easy to feel threatened by AI. However, if we choose to be curious about its capabilities instead, we can empower ourselves to use it ethically and responsibly, which can add to and not detract from our own development.
At SACAP Global, we offer a range of courses designed in South Africa with global relevance. No matter where you are in the world, flexible online courses like our recently launched short course, Using AI Tools in Everyday Life, will empower you with the knowledge to use AI to assist you with everyday tasks.
Other short AI-related courses that may interest you include:
FAQ:
1. What is AI in everyday life?
AI is an integral part of our everyday life, as it is essential to many online applications we use, including online banking, customer service, social media, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
2. Do I need to have any prior technical knowledge to use AI tools?
No, as tools like generative AI have become accessible to the everyday person, you don’t need technical skills to use them. All you need is a relevant device and an internet connection.
3. Can AI help with parenting or personal productivity?
Yes, generative AI can help generate ideas to support tasks like parenting and boost your productivity. However, it’s crucial to understand how to use these tools responsibly.
4. How do I start using AI safely and ethically?
To start using AI tools safely and ethically, it’s crucial to understand how they work and build awareness of their psychological impact. Ideally, we should learn to use AI alongside our daily tasks, rather than relying on it to replace our thinking abilities entirely.
