The robots are officially taking over — and we are (apparently) OK with that. In truth, artificial intelligence has secretly infiltrated our lives for decades — for the better, mind you — and many of us don’t even realize it.
From surveillance systems using video analytics to detect abnormal activity to news reports written by bots to online sites using recommendations based on your search/buying history, AI has become so prevalent that we almost take it for granted.
Here are seven ways AI has taken over our everyday lives.
1. Netflix
We all know Netflix as a super convenient database of shows and movies we can access at the touch of a button. But what many people may not know is that Netflix uses AI to recommend TV shows and movies to you based on your own preferences and the shows you’re already binge-watching. So, whether you like it or not, you’re using AI technology every time you decide to hit play.
2. The iPhone and Virtual Assistants
The iPhone also uses AI through Siri and other applications. If you have ever owned an iPhone, you know Siri is the super helpful AI assistant whose job is to help make accomplishing tasks easier.
For example, if you want to send a text message but are busy driving, you can simply call out and say, “Hey, Siri, send John text message that says, ‘I’m on my way.'” And like a good assistant, she dutifully sends off your text message without you having to take any further action. Isn’t technology amazing?
3. Chatbots and ITR
In the past, when you called a company’s customer service department, you had to wait and wait (and wait some more) to speak to a live agent. These days, you’re not only able to contact companies via phone, but also via social media, websites and or chatbots and interactive text response, a text-based version of interactive voice response.
The customer experience has dramatically changed with the addition of AI in the cloud call center, as ITR tends to have a stronger consumer appeal, tapping into more than 1 billion social media users.
For example, companies can integrate chatbots with ITR that allows you to engage in two-way automated conversations with a chatbot. So that customer service rep you’ve been chatting with on Twitter about your new gadget? Well, she might actually be a robot.
4. Online Recommendations
The websites you frequent most use a type of AI to recommend products and services to you based on what you read and buy online. To some, this is a bit scary, because it can feel like someone is always watching your online behavior.
To others, however, it’s an amazing online experience powered by the seamless technology that is AI. Regardless, online recommendations have become so ingrained in our lives that we don’t think twice about it when the websites we browse suggest similar content.
5. Mobile Check Deposit
Have you ever deposited your check using your smartphone? If so, you’ve definitely interacted with AI. Mobile check deposit allows you to deposit your paycheck from your smartphone by taking a picture of the back and front.
Then, you destroy the check and your money becomes available within the next few days. The AI is used in conjunction with machine learning to decipher and convert the handwriting on your check into text.
6. Surveillance Systems Detecting Abnormal Activity
Surveillance systems have the ability to use video analytics to detect abnormal activity and are incredibly useful for any home or business. Indeed, this amazing use of AI can help us better protect ourselves from harm. Video surveillance has truly gotten an upgrade, and we’re definitely here for it. Anything that can make us feel safer in our daily lives gets two thumbs up.
7. News Reports Written and Curated By Bots
News reports are already being written by bots, allowing news stations and websites to curate reports to each individual. According to CNBC, artificial intelligence may soon be able to help your devices give you more than just a simple recap of events that occurred or the direction of the stock market. Soon, it will be able to tell you how the market is performing in direct relation to your personal investment portfolio and the reason for the difference in performance (if applicable).
Oh, How AI Continues to Enhance Our Lives
AI has been infiltrating our daily lives for quite some time and is being used for everything from streaming movies and TV shows to interacting with customer service departments. There’s no denying its ease of use and problem-solving abilities have given us the confidence that AI will continue to enhance our lives.
The way we interact with people and businesses will continue to be shaped and molded by advancements like AI, as long as we allow it and lean into the future of technology.
