Editor’s Note: AI is rapidly becoming an everyday term in today’s world. From driving the economy to assisting in medical decisions to helping out with simple household tasks, the pace of AI’s arrival in our lives is a source of mystery to many of us. In a continuing effort to assist seniors in assimilating concepts like AI into their daily lives, the following article was provided to AMAC Foundation and our readers by our contacts at London-based 6xdegreemedia.com.

You’ve likely heard the term “Artificial Intelligence” (or, as it’s shortened, AI) on the news or from your grandkids. It might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but AI is already a part of our daily lives. From voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations on Netflix or Amazon, AI is quietly working behind the scenes to make tasks easier and more convenient for you.

This technology has incredible potential for the future. Still, like any powerful tool, AI also comes with risks and challenges, such as privacy concerns, ethical questions, and the possibility of misuse.

So what do seniors need to be aware of? Let’s take a look.

The extent to which it’s already used

First things first, let’s clarify what we mean when we’re talking about AI. It refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, reason, and perform tasks typically requiring human cognitive abilities. These tasks include learning from experience, recognizing patterns, solving complex problems, and making decisions.

Here are some of the ways it’s currently used:

• AI chatbots are used by businesses to handle customer queries and provide instant solutions to common problems.
• Your phone camera uses AI for features like facial recognition, enhancing photo quality, and auto-focusing while you take pictures.
• Large organizations will use decision intelligence from AI to give them a competitive advantage and enhanced efficiency.
• Navigation apps use AI to analyse real-time traffic data from thousands of users to recommend the quickest way to your destination.

The potential of AI

We’re just at the beginning of our journey with AI. Over time, the list of uses and examples will grow. The future possibilities of AI are truly exciting, especially in areas that can improve our health and daily routines.

Let’s take healthcare as an example. AI can help manage chronic conditions by monitoring health data from wearable devices, like a smartwatch, and alerting you or your doctor to potential issues. Imagine smart homes that can help you live independently for longer – AI could one day manage your home by adjusting the thermostat for comfort, reminding you to take your medication, or even detecting a fall and automatically calling for help. It can also help you stay connected with loved ones through smarter video calls and communication tools that are easier to use.

From self-driving cars that could offer new freedom to those who can no longer drive, to personalized entertainment that suggests books and movies you’ll genuinely enjoy, AI has the potential to make our lives safer, healthier, and more connected.

The risks of using AI

All of this potential sounds amazing, but there are risks. AI is heavily reliant on collecting a lot of data and one of the biggest concerns is privacy.

It’s important to know what information you’re sharing with companies and how they’re using it. Especially when we consider the healthcare examples above, where AI-powered tools may process sensitive patient information. While these advancements can improve care and efficiency, they also raise important questions about data security and patient confidentiality.

If this data is not handled securely, it could be exposed to breaches or used improperly. To navigate these risks, always use platforms that prioritize transparency and security. Review privacy policies, ask questions about how your data is stored and shared, and avoid giving out unnecessary personal details online.

As a last point, also be aware of the role of AI in increasingly sophisticated scams. Scammers can use AI to create very convincing fake emails, text messages, or even voice recordings that sound like a family member in distress. These are designed to trick you into sending money or sharing private information. In general, a good rule of thumb is to be skeptical. If a message seems urgent or too good to be true, take a moment to verify it by calling the person or company directly using a number you trust.

A balanced approach to AI use

It’s important to acknowledge that while advancements like AI come with certain risks, they also bring many opportunities. Learning about these technologies can help reduce potential downsides while enabling you to benefit from tools designed to simplify tasks, enhance communication, and support independence. With a balanced approach, AI can be an empowering resource.

NOTICE: The views and opinions expressed in this guest article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AMAC Foundation or its affiliates. The information provided in this guest post is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. AMAC Foundation assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this guest article, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Use of the information in this guest post is at your own risk. Providing linkage to external websites does not constitute endorsement of products or services advertised thereon.