In the year 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) became an integral part of our daily lives, with notable impacts on various aspects of society. In the United Kingdom, four out of five teenagers are now using generative AI tools, while about two-thirds of Australian employees report utilizing generative AI for work.
Initially embraced for curiosity and entertainment, people now turn to generative AI for assistance with studies, advice, coding help, and information synthesis. "Prompt whisperers" emerged, guiding users on designing effective AI prompts and blending different AI services.
Changing Landscape of AI Uses
Over the past 12 months, the landscape of AI applications has evolved significantly, shaped by technological developments, regulations, and social factors. Notable shifts include AI's influence on work and creative processes.
Generative AI gained attention for winning photography competitions and even being tested for school exams. ChatGPT, a widely recognized chatbot, reached 100 million users, while musicians experimented with AI voice cloning to create synthetic music. Corporate giants like Coca-Cola and Levi’s embraced AI for ad generation and virtual modeling, respectively.
The release of GPT-4 in March introduced new features, including document analysis. Major companies like Amazon integrated generative AI into their products, and Japan declared no copyright restrictions for training generative AI.
Controversies and Scrutiny
In May, a strike by U.S. screenwriters called for a ban on AI-generated scripts, while a viral AI-generated image allegedly depicted the Pentagon on fire. July witnessed the introduction of religious services led by AI, and in August, Zoom faced scrutiny over changes to its terms of service related to consumer data and AI.
Recent Developments and Future Trends
By September, ChatGPT added voice and image functionalities for paid users, and Adobe integrated generative AI into applications like Illustrator and Photoshop. The shift towards "Edge AI," where processes occur locally on devices, gained momentum by December, addressing privacy and security concerns.
Anticipated Trends in 2024
Looking ahead, four key areas are expected to see changes in the coming year:
Increased Bundling of AI Services: Companies are bundling generative AI into existing services, enhancing accessibility and functionality. However, concerns about data vulnerability during breaches may arise.
Higher Quality, More Realistic Generations: AI generators have improved rendering human hands and limbs. Addressing bias and promoting diversity in AI-generated content is becoming a priority for developers.
Growing Calls for Transparency: The media industry faces scrutiny for not transparently communicating the use of AI in content creation. Developing standards to denote AI involvement will be crucial for public trust.
Expansion of Sovereign AI Capacity: As AI tools advance across all sectors, leaders are likely to focus on developing sovereign capabilities, emphasizing research, development funding, and training programs.
Whether used for leisure, work, or education, understanding the strengths and limitations of generative AI is essential for responsible and productive utilization. Awareness of how governments and various entities integrate AI into society is equally crucial for informed engagement.
