3 Types of AI: Narrow, General & Superintelligent
How can you stay abreast of the AI jargon and make sure you're not left looking clueless during these crucial conversations? Fear not, I’m going to start with a series of articles to break down AI basics in a way you can easily understand and relate to – especially if you are in the field of marketing or a business executive/owner. Quick Intro - Hi, I'm Michelle. A seasoned 18 year Marketing & PR counsultant who is pursuing AI certification at Cornell University. I'm a student for life and love passing on knowledge. Let's put on our smart glasses together and kick this series off.
1. Define AI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the "Sherlock Holmes" of computer science. Born in 1956 at the Dartmouth Conference, it was all about teaching computers to think like us, much like how Watson learns from Sherlock. Today, AI has evolved, and it's not just playing detective anymore. It's got machine learning - like Sherlock picking up clues, deep learning - akin to Holmes connecting the dots, and it's constructing complex AI models that would make even Mycroft Holmes proud. That's AI for you - always one step ahead, forever solving the unsolvable.
2. Let’s dig deeper into the three types.
For the back row: this is important stuff.
AI Types: Narrow, General, and Superintelligent
-A- Narrow AI: Your Digital Helper
What You Need to Understand: Narrow AI (aka Weak AI) is like your reliable executive assistant – super-efficient, but strictly sticking to their designated role.
Imagine a marketing assistant who is excellent at scheduling your meetings but isn't adept at creating your presentation decks. That's narrow AI for you. Narrow AI, or weak AI, is designed to do one task supremely well, whether that's recommending your next binge-watch series (think Netflix algorithms), answering queries (hello, Siri), or optimizing your website's SEO.
Quiz! Question: Is Chat GPT, Microsoft Bing & like AI softwares an example of (a) Narrow AI or (b) General AI? (answer coming up!)
-B- General AI: The All-rounder Prodigy
What You Need to Understand: General AI (aka Strong AI) is that superstar team member who can do anything – if only they existed beyond the realms of sci-fi and academic theory!
Picture a colleague who not only excels at their job but also moonlights as a graphic designer, doubles as your legal advisor, and even helps organize the office parties. That's the equivalent of general AI – an AI that can perform any intellectual task that a human can, but here’s the catch – if researchers are able to develop General or Strong AI, the machine would require a self-aware consciousness that has the ability to solve problems, learn and plan for the future.
Right now, this only exists in theory vs. reality – but word is that movement is happening in academia and private sector to make this happen someday. Until then... I'll stick to my love of sci-fi novels! (Blake Crouch's Recursion might be my fave!)
Answer: Chat GBP and Microsoft Bing Chat are examples of (a) Narrow AI.
-C- Superintelligent AI: The Future Oracle
What You Need to Understand: Superintelligent AI is like your business's future strategic advisor, outperforming humans in practically every sphere. (Ahem, spoiler... this doesn't exist, so don't open a new browser and google it just yet. Just you keep reading...)
Imagine having a futuristic advisor who foresees market trends, preempts business challenges, and propels your company into unprecedented success. That's what a superintelligent AI promises – surpassing human intelligence and offering superior emotional understanding, creativity, wisdom, and social skills (if it doesn't kill us - yikes). However, as of now, it's still in the realm of futuristic speculation. According to a study published in the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, it may be theoretically impossible for humans to control a superintelligent AI. The research also suggests that it may be impossible to detect such an unstoppable AI when it’s on the verge of being created. The study classified the ‘control problem’ into two categories – capability and motivation.
3. Here's how to put your newfound AI knowledge to work.
What You Need to Understand: Understanding these AI types helps you utilize AI tools effectively in your marketing strategy and speak confidently about AI.
Your knowledge of Narrow, General/Strong, and Superintelligent AI allows you to discern which AI tools can aid your specific business needs - like Narrow AI for data analysis or personalized content (upcoming articles will be covering this).
Or, just that General or Superintelligent don't exist yet... you're welcome for that gem, right? Now the tech team can't $%^# with you anymore.
Want to go deeper? Here's a great article more in depth about three types.
Stay tuned for the next article in my "AI & Marketing Hot Tips" series where we'll explore the types of AI content creation and it can supercharge your marketing strategies. Remember, in the AI world, continuous learning is your superpower!
More Articles by Michelle...
"Unwrapping Barbie" Article Series
Day 1: 10 Plastic Reasons to Love Barbie's Marketers
Day 2: 3 Marketing Tips for Consumer Brands from Barbie
Day 3: 3 PR Lessons to Learn from Barbie's Playbook
Day 4: 5 Key Lessons from Barbie's Social Media
Day 5: How Barbie Takes on AI & How Your Company Can Too
Tear Down: 4 Shocking Ways Overexposure Could Push Barbie to the Brink of Destruction
Ethical AI Series:
4 Things You Need to Know About Ethical AI in Marketing & PR
3 Reasons Ethical AI is a Marketing & PR Game Changer
Future of Marketing: Navigating the AI Landscape with Michelle
About Michelle Hayes Uhlfelder
With 18 years of marketing and PR expertise, Michelle is dedicated to helping businesses grow and thrive in this ever-evolving marketing landscape. She is a thought leader and strategist committed to turning insights into action. Follow her on LinkedIn to connect.