Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but is it a passing fad or the next big technological shift? Learn how to get into AI with our guide! 

The world of artificial intelligence is evolving at a rapid rate. Even keeping up can feel a bit overwhelming. If you feel like you’re missing out and falling behind, I’ve got you covered! This straightforward guide will help discover how to get into AI technology, without the technical jargon and end-of-the-world ‘doomer’ theories. Trust me, you don’t have to be a tech-savvy geek to learn the basics of artificial intelligence. 

From helping you tap into the true potential of artificial intelligence voice assistants, like Siri, to uncovering ways to use more complex AI-powered chatbots, like ChatGPT, I’m going to pull back the curtain and show you that this stuff isn’t just for sci-fi movies; it can be a useful tool for your daily life. 

What’s the Deal With AI? 

So, why is AI such a big deal lately? To put it in simple words, artificial intelligence is a field of computer science that involves developing systems that can perform tasks that would otherwise require a human to do them. 

I know this sounds complicated, but in terms of what AI can actually do for you, it’s pretty straightforward. That’s because AI is already quite integrated into daily life. It’s actually behind the algorithms that make your Insta feed feel like it was made just for you and why TikTok’s “For You” feed is so addictive.

AI also powers everything from voice assistant devices and apps to self-driving cars, like the latest Tesla models. You’ve probably also heard of ChatGPT and other AI-powered chatbots. When you use these, instead of talking to a person, you’re actually communicating with a complex computer system. This system processes the information you feed to it and adapts to those prompts in real-time.

So, How Does All of This Work? 

Look, I’m going to spare you the complicated and dry science. All you need to know is that it attempts to mimic human intelligence by using complex algorithms to perform specific tasks.

When the AI model is given prompts, like you asking it a question, it immediately processes the request. Except, it then examines huge amounts of stored data to complete the task. During this data processing step, the AI program seeks to identify patterns within the data. So, it can more accurately complete the task.

Where AI software really differs from the more simplified software that came before is the fact that it is constantly refining and improving its algorithms based on feedback. Just like a little kid learning how to talk, walk, or ride a bike, AI can remember mistakes and feedback, so it improves over time.

Are you still with me? Look, I know the behind-the-scenes stuff isn’t that exciting, but it’s pretty cool when you start to think about what it could do for you. The potential for AI tools is crazy. 

How Can You Get Into AI?

Now that you know a little bit about it, it’s time to actually get to it.

The Technical Side of Using AI Tools

If this stuff fascinates you, and you want to learn how it works and how you can even get into the software side of things, there are plenty of online courses and YouTube videos that can get you on the right learning path. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer online lessons that are designed specifically for beginners, but they can give you a good head start on AI training.

Once you’re ready to play to get serious about AI programming, you can visit programming websites, like Scratch, for younger kids to try out some interactive AI tutorials. You can even start building your own AI projects. Google also offers Artificial Intelligence Yourself (AIY) project kits that are really useful for those looking to get into building real-life AI projects. 

AI for Everyday Use

If you’re curious about getting into building and using AI and machine learning algorithms as a career, all the power to you. If you’re like me and that stuff flies over your head, there are still plenty of ways you can get into using an AI application. 

Here are some of the beginner-friendly AI-powered applications that I already couldn’t live without.

Grammarly

If you’re tired of making sloppy mistakes in your writing, Grammarly can be your new BFF. This simple browser extension acts as an AI-powered instant grammar-checking app

Installing Grammarly is a big W if you’re filling out cover letters, college applications, or just want to make sure your writing assignments look solid before you submit them.  Try QuillBot, too!

ChatGPT and Other AI Chatbots

ChatGPT and similar apps can work well as a writing companion. These relatively simple AI chatbots allow you to ask questions that they can then answer according to your preferences.

I know what you’re thinking – these apps are doing all of my homework from now on! Sure, ChatGPT and others have their uses, but you need to remember that they’re far from perfect; plus, your teachers will know what you’re up to

Instead, I’d recommend using them more for inspiration rather than direct writing assistance. Ask for a basic rundown of a topic you don’t really understand, as they work much better for general knowledge than anything in-depth.

AI-Powered Learning Applications

There are also plenty of AI-powered learning apps that can help you expand your understanding of a specific topic. The one that springs to mind is Duolingo, which uses artificial intelligence-powered adaptive learning to teach users various languages in a fun way. I use it before I travel anywhere so I can pick up a few quick phrases. 

You can also try UPDF AI, which is a platform that offers courses on a wide range of topics. It uses AI-powered course recommendations and analytics to teach you in a way that is personalized to your learning style. It can also help you take notes, edit PDFs, and so much more. 

Final Words 

Don’t be afraid of AI technology because it’s not going anywhere. Instead, use it to your advantage. While it can be tempting, I also highly recommend that you avoid abusing it. This is especially true when it comes to cheating on assignments. It sounds cliché, but you’ll only hurt your own learning. Plus, do you really want brain freeze during an exam? Why? Because you had some computer program do all your work for you? 

Instead, play around with AI apps and services to streamline your work. Yeah. Learn new things and discover new and practical ways to enhance your lifestyle. AI is pretty cool.

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  • Chris Kane

    Chris Kane is a military veteran and former business owner currently living in the Des Moines, Iowa, metro. Chris is an inveterate entrepreneur and avid web developer who is not shy about sharing his opinions.