AI in Everyday Life: Insights and Assignments

Overview of Upcoming Assignments

  • Selection and Reflection Memo is due Thursday night.

  • Draft Submission for peer review is due next Wednesday.

  • Revised Draft Submission based on feedback is due next Friday, the 30th.

  • Review of the module and preview of next content is encouraged.

Generative AI and Everyday Life

  • Discussion on the understanding of AI through the lens of the assigned reading from Wired.

  • Mention of generative AI technologies, with a specific focus on ChatGPT as a stand-in for AI.

    • ChatGPT creates new content based on prompts from users.

  • Other companies providing similar technologies include Google (Gemini), Microsoft (Copilot), and Anthropic (Clawd).

  • Apple’s initial attempt to create an AI based on Siri was not successful; however, a recent partnership with OpenAI has integrated ChatGPT into their ecosystem.

  • Generative AI vs. smaller AI applications such as recommendation systems.

    • Example of Everyday AI: Recommendation systems such as those on platforms like Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon influence choices in content consumption (e.g., product suggestions based on user behavior).

Module Structure

  • Three short mini lectures are part of the module, each building on the last to guide students through the process of understanding AI.

    • Focus areas include:

    1. Observation: What AI looks like in everyday life.

    2. Reflection: Why observed AI matters.

    3. Drafting and Revising: Preparing the first essay.

Lecture 1: Observation of AI

  • The discussion aims to broaden the perception of AI beyond robots or futuristic technologies.

  • Practical Definition of AI for This Course: AI systems analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions, recommendations, or decisions automatically.

  • Common Misconceptions about AI:

    • Many think AI must appear impressive or high-tech to count as AI.

    • Everyday technologies (e.g., operating systems, smart devices) may contain AI applications that go unnoticed.

  • Examples of AI in Everyday Life:

    1. Robot Vacuums:

      • Use sensors and cameras to create maps of homes.

      • Data from households can be aggregated for machine learning purposes (i.e., iRobot)

    2. Access Control Systems:

      • E.g., swipe card systems, which may gather user data without being truly AI-driven (simple automation).

  • Machine Learning as an AI Component:

    • AI systems predict outcomes by analyzing large datasets (e.g., determining user preferences based on historical data).

Further Examples of AI Interaction

  • Examples fostering prediction and recommendation:

    • Entertainment Platforms:

    • TikTok, Netflix, Spotify utilize algorithms to recommend content based on user activity.

    • Retail Services:

    • Amazon suggests products based on previous purchases, and DoorDash learns ordering habits to recommend new options.

Implications of AI Use

  • Discussion of potential negative societal impacts:

    • Health Outcomes: The recommendation of unhealthy food based on algorithms.

    • Echos in Social Media: Regular exposure to biased content may create echo chambers and impact public perception.

  • Descriptive vs. Reflective Writing:

    • Importance of analyzing how AI impacts personal and societal decision-making.

    • Encouragement of making reflections based on observed AI interactions.

Tasks: Observation Log

  • Task involves noticing where AI systems influence choices.

    • Focus on reporting encounters without deep interpretations; to be used as a foundation for the essay.

    • Requirements:

    • Documenting 7-10 features.

    • Engage with systems affecting daily choices (e.g., academic tools, shopping experiences).

  • Submission Guidelines:

    • Logs must be in acceptable formats (e.g., doc, PDF).

    • Focus on specific details of interactions with AI without extensive technical terminology.

Reflection Memo and Essay Draft Preparation

  • Transition from observation to reflection on the significance of identified AI systems.

  • Students are encouraged to contemplate:

    • Who is affected by these AI systems?

    • How do systems shape choices?

    • Specific examples connecting personal experience to larger societal impacts (e.g., implication of AI in music streaming on artists' earnings).

  • Inquiry into positive implications of AI, such as accessibility technologies (screen readers, transcription services).

Concluding Remarks

  • The next mini lecture will further explore reflection on AI's impact.

  • The importance of strong examples and depth in reflections helps decide which AI interactions to develop in the essay.

Q&A and Class Participation

  • Open prompt for students to inquire about their observations or issues with the tasks assigned.

  • Time allotted for preliminary task engagement and clarification before upcoming deadlines.