IT Tech Corner: AI Is All Around Us

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Not only is it on social media and Google search results, but also in your email programs, advertising videos, and soon maybe in your backyard. Discussions are gaining attention in communities as companies look to build data centers to power AI operations. Take note of all aspects of AI’s influence in your life. We hear about the benefits of ChatGPT to spin out oodles of prose to spruce up your resume, newsletters, college papers and more. We also hear about the incredible amount of resources the data centers need to keep the hamsters whirling. All aspects of the powers of AI should be evaluated when considering your usage. 

I recently got a tour of a real estate photography company’s use of AI to take still photos and turn them into videos of lifelike walkthroughs of homes, including timelapses of shadows, twilight, and the setting sun. The videos looked great and really showed off the fine features of the home. 

However, use of AI for any purpose could be questioned. Is the finished product real? Even if the video or story seems real, is it really real? While our culture rushes headfirst into the waves of AI generated content, let us approach it with critical thinking and a healthy dose of “wait a minute.” 

Take time to evaluate what you’re seeing, reading, and hearing. AI can provide some really cool tools, but the true benefits may be yet to be seen.