Momentum with Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to gather pace and it can feel like it holds the key to solving all of life’s challenges. However, distinguishing what AI can realistically achieve from what it cannot is crucial when considering its use cases, particularly in a commercial context.
In simple terms, AI refers to machines, primarily computers, performing tasks that typically require human levels of intelligence. These can include things we do naturally, like holding conversations, interpreting images and sounds, or handling repetitive chores. Let’s take a closer look at the myths and realities surrounding AI.
Debunking some common AI Myths
Myth 1 - AI Will Take Over the World
AI systems are tools designed for specific tasks. It’s already having a massive impact in certain industries but even agentic solutions still lack true autonomy or the ability to act beyond their programming and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, so fears of a robotic uprising belong more to science fiction than reality.
Myth 2 - AI Will Eliminate Jobs
Whilst AI has already automated certain jobs, I believe it also creates opportunities in fields like technology development, data science, and AI ethics. History shows that technological advancements quite often lead to job evolution, not elimination.
Myth 3 - AI Is Infallible
AI is always only as good as the data it’s trained on and will never be perfect. Biased or flawed data can perpetuate incorrect outcomes, highlighting the importance of careful oversight and validation during the AI development process.
5 things AI does well
AI has made remarkable strides over the last few years with the introduction of LLM’s and MMM’s. Here are some areas where it shines:
- Analysing and Processing Large Data Sets
AI processes enormous datasets with speed and accuracy. It’s transforming industries like healthcare by detecting diseases early through medical image recognition, as well as finance, where algorithms predict market trends. - Predict certain future events more accurately than us
AI can help us to predict outcomes to certain events much more accurately than a random guess by being able to leverage hundreds of different datapoints. It can make much more accurate decisions on a potential outcome than any human could. - Automating Repetitive Tasks
From manufacturing robots to customer service chatbots, AI can handle routine tasks efficiently, freeing humans up to focus on more complex challenges. - Enhancing Personalisation
Recommendation systems on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon leverage AI to offer tailored suggestions based on user behaviour. - Supporting Creative Processes
AI tools assist artists, writers, and designers with inspiration and efficiency, helping create generative art or refine written content using some of the popular LLM’s and MMM’s that now exist.
5 things AI Cannot Do
Despite its capabilities, AI does have limitations:
- Predict the Future with Certainty
You will notice that this appears in both the “can” and “cannot” list because whilst AI models can make educated guesses on outcomes, we need to be careful as they are not infallible. The phrase “All models are wrong, but some are useful” highlights that errors are always inevitable, even as predictions improve - so be aware. - Think or Feel Like Humans
AI lacks consciousness and emotional intelligence. It responds based on pre-programmed algorithms and what it was trained on but cannot genuinely empathise or understand like a human. - Operate Without Human Oversight
While AI can run autonomously in some settings, human input remains essential for design, training, and maintenance. Flaws in data or programming often require human correction. - Solve Complex Ethical Dilemmas
AI can analyse scenarios but cannot make nuanced value-based judgments, as ethical decisions often involve cultural, moral, and societal considerations beyond AI’s reach. - Replace Human Intuition and Judgment
In areas like leadership, counselling, and art, human intuition and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. AI serves as a tool, not a substitute.
The Bottom Line
AI is a powerful concept with the potential to improve many aspects of our daily and working lives. However, it’s not a magic wand that solves every problem or completely replaces human capabilities. Understanding AI’s strengths and limitations helps dispel myths and ensures we use it responsibly as a complement to human ingenuity.
Rather than fearing AI, we should embrace its potential to amplify what humans do best.