Generative AI articles are revolutionizing the way we consume and interact with information. They can be created in a matter of seconds, using complex algorithms to generate content that's often indistinguishable from human-written articles.
But what does this mean for the future of content creation and consumption? According to a study, 75% of online content will be generated by AI by 2025. This has significant implications for industries that rely heavily on content creation, such as journalism and marketing.
The ability to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently is a game-changer for businesses and organizations. It allows them to produce more content, reach a wider audience, and respond to changing trends and events in real-time.
Related reading: Generative Ai Content Creation
What Is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a subset of AI models capable of generating tabular synthetic data.
Any AI tool that can take a collection of information and use it to generate original content is generative AI.
OpenAI has developed generative AI tools like ChatGPT, a conversational AI model.
The 1990s and Research
The 1990s saw a significant recovery in AI research, thanks to renewed funding for artificial intelligence.
Machine learning, a training mechanism, also received funding in the 1990s and began to flourish.
The concept of "boosting" was shared in 1990 by Robert Schapire, which explained that a set of weak learners can create a single strong learner.
Boosting algorithms reduce bias during the supervised learning process, and include machine learning algorithms that can transform several weak learners into a few strong ones.
The computer gaming industry played a crucial role in the evolution of generative AI, thanks to the introduction of 3D graphics cards, precursors to graphic processing units (GPUs).
In 1997, Juergen Schmidhuber and Sepp Hochreiter created the "long short-term memory" (LSTM) to be used with recurrent neural networks, which is now widely used in speech recognition training.
LSTM supports learning tasks that require a memory covering events thousands of steps earlier, and which are often important during conversations.
If this caught your attention, see: Generative Ai Boosting Approach
The introduction of new GPUs in the 1990s led to a surprising realization that they could be used for more than just video games.
GPUs have since become quite useful in machine learning, using approximately 200 times the number of processors per chip as compared to a central processing unit.
What Is the Difference Between Machine Learning and?
Machine learning is a subset of AI that uses training algorithms to learn from datasets. This is how facial recognition, product recommendations, and email spam filtering work.
Machine learning is a cornerstone of generative AI tools, which means it's a crucial part of what makes generative AI tick.
If this caught your attention, see: Is Machine Learning Generative Ai
Types of Generative AI Models
Generative AI models can be broadly categorized into three main types: Variational Autoencoders, Generative Adversarial Networks, and Autoregressive models.
Variational autoencoders are a type of AI that can learn the basic features of data and create new content based on that information. They work by using two main parts: an encoder and a decoder.
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) analyze a dataset and use that information to create new data similar in form or style. They require a lot of storage and power, and training them on a dataset can lead to stability issues.
Here are the three main types of generative AI models:
- Variational Autoencoders
- Generative Adversarial Networks
- Autoregressive models
These types of generative AI models have different strengths and weaknesses, and are suited for different tasks and purposes.
Transformer-Based Models
Transformer-based models are trained on large sets of data to understand the relationships between sequential information such as words and sentences. This makes them well-suited for tasks like natural language processing and text generation.
One example of a transformer-based model is ChatGPT-4, which is a generative AI model developed by OpenAI. It's designed to understand the context and structure of language, allowing it to generate human-like responses to text prompts.
Another example is Google Gemini, which is a generative AI chatbot that uses the PaLM large language model to answer questions and generate text from prompts. This shows how transformer-based models can be used in a variety of applications, from chatbots to text generation.
If this caught your attention, see: Generative Ai Text Analysis
Transformer-based models like these are adept at understanding the relationships between words and sentences, making them a powerful tool for natural language processing and text generation tasks.
Here's a brief overview of some popular transformer-based models:
Adversarial Networks
Generative adversarial networks comprise two neural networks: a generator and a discriminator. They essentially work against each other to create authentic-looking data.
The technique was first developed in 2024. The generator's role is to create convincing output, such as an image based on a prompt, while the discriminator works to evaluate the authenticity of said image.
Over time, each component gets better at their respective roles, resulting in more convincing outputs. DALL-E and Midjourney are examples of GAN-based generative AI models.
GANs analyze a dataset and use that information to create new data similar in form or style. For example, a GAN can generate text that sounds like you because it's trained on a collection of your writing to learn your style and syntax.
GANs require a lot of storage and power, and training them on a dataset can lead to stability issues.
Here are some key characteristics of GANs:
Variational Autoencoders
Variational autoencoders are a type of AI that can learn the basic features of data and create new content based on that information. They work by using two main parts: an encoder and a decoder.
The encoder compresses existing data into a simplified form called latent space, where each part represents a different aspect of the original data. This simplification process allows the decoder to reconstruct the original data and generate new content.
Variational autoencoders can be used to increase the diversity and accuracy of facial recognition systems by generating new faces. By using photos as training data, the program learns how to simplify the photos of people's faces into a few important characteristics.
Variational autoencoders were first described in 2013, and they're a type of neural network architecture. They're great for tasks that require generating new content based on existing data, such as images and text.
One example of variational autoencoders in action is generating human faces using photos as training data. This process involves teaching a computer program to simplify the photos of people's faces into a few important characteristics, such as the size and shape of the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and so on.
A unique perspective: Generative Ai Content
Multimodal Models
Multimodal models can understand and process multiple types of data simultaneously, such as text, images, and audio, allowing them to create more sophisticated outputs.
DALL-E 3 and OpenAI’s GPT-4 are examples of multimodal models, capable of generating an image based on a text prompt, as well as a text description of an image prompt.
These models have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, enabling us to communicate more effectively and create more complex and engaging experiences.
For instance, a multimodal model could be used to create a virtual assistant that can understand both voice commands and text input, allowing for a more seamless and natural interaction experience.
Multimodal models can also be used to create more realistic and immersive experiences in fields such as gaming, education, and entertainment.
Here are some examples of multimodal models:
These are just a few examples of the many potential applications of multimodal models, and as the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting uses.
Benefits and Use Cases
Generative AI can help you save time by streamlining content creation, allowing you to focus on high-value, creative work. This can be achieved by automating tasks such as idea generation, content planning, and research.
Generative AI can also improve the quality of your content by summarizing long-winded passages, changing tone, and improving grammar. This can be especially helpful for professionals and content creators who need to produce high-quality content quickly.
One potential use case for generative AI is in the healthcare industry, where it can be used to help accelerate drug discovery. Generative AI can also be used in digital marketing to craft personalized campaigns and adapt content to consumers' preferences.
In the banking industry, generative AI has the potential to generate significant value, with estimates suggesting that it could increase productivity by 2.8 to 4.7 percent of the industry's annual revenues. This could be achieved by automating tasks such as customer service and data analysis.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Generative Ai Photoshop Increase Quality
Generative AI can also be used to improve customer experiences in the retail industry. For example, it can be used to create personalized marketing campaigns and enhance customer value management by delivering tailored product recommendations.
Here are some potential use cases for generative AI:
- Automating customer service interactions
- Improving content quality and speed
- Enhancing customer experiences in retail
- Accelerating drug discovery in healthcare
- Automating tasks in the banking industry
By leveraging generative AI, businesses can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and create more personalized experiences for their customers.
Concerns and Limitations
Generative AI's popularity is accompanied by concerns of ethics, misuse, and quality control. It can provide misleading, inaccurate, and fake information because it's trained on existing sources, including those that are unverified on the internet.
Generative AI can produce inaccurate, outdated, or misleading information, known as a "hallucination", where the AI generates responses that sound convincing but are actually false. Hallucinations occur because the AI generates content based on patterns in its training data without a true understanding of the information.
A major concern around the use of generative AI tools is their potential for spreading misinformation and harmful content. The risk of legal and financial repercussions from the misuse of generative AI is very real; indeed, it has been suggested generative AI could put national security at risk if used improperly or irresponsibly.
The 1980s and Winter
The second AI winter began roughly in 1984 and continued until 1990, slowing down the development of artificial intelligence and generative AI.
Funding was cut for the majority of AI and deep learning research due to the intense anger and frustration with broken promises and expectations.
In 1986, David Rumelhart and his team introduced a new way of training neural networks using the backpropagation technique developed in the 1970s.
Deep learning became a functional reality in 1989, when Yann LeCun and his team used a backpropagation algorithm with neural networks to recognize handwritten ZIP codes.
The second AI winter led to a broad sense of skepticism regarding AI, causing the term "artificial intelligence" to take on a pseudoscience status.
Broaden your view: Neural Network vs Generative Ai
What Is the Difference
OpenAI is a research organization focused on artificial intelligence. They've developed tools like ChatGPT and Sora, a text-to-video generative AI tool.
Generative AI is a subset of AI models that can generate tabular synthetic data. Any AI tool that can take a collection of information and use it to generate original content is generative AI.
OpenAI develops generative AI tools like ChatGPT. This means they're creating technology that can generate new content based on existing data.
Check this out: What Are the Generative Ai Tools
Concerns and Limitations
Generative AI can provide misleading, inaccurate, and fake information because it's trained on existing sources, including those that are unverified on the internet.
The risk of legal and financial repercussions from the misuse of generative AI is very real, and it has been suggested that generative AI could put national security at risk if used improperly or irresponsibly.
Generative AI companies may clash with media companies over the use of published work, as these models are often trained on internet-sourced information.
Hallucinations occur when generative AI generates responses that sound convincing but are actually false, and this can happen even with real-time web data access.
The AI Act, approved by the European Council in February 2024, takes a risk-based approach to regulating AI, with some AI systems banned outright.
If you're using AI to help write informative, authoritative content, it's essential to carefully craft your prompts and thoroughly review the AI's output for accuracy.
Generative AI can perpetuate stereotypes, hate speech, and harmful ideologies, and can also damage personal and professional reputation.
The misuse of generative AI can spread misinformation and harmful content, and it's up to us to use these tools responsibly.
Additional reading: How Are Companies Using Generative Ai
The Future of Generative AI
Generative AI is rapidly evolving, with companies pushing the envelope to create more advanced models and applications.
One potential change generative AI might bring to computing is the use of natural language commands to both find information and command the system. This could revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
Agentic AI, where teams of generative AI "agents" work together to solve complex problems, is often cited as the future of the technology.
OpenAI released its OpenAI o1 model in 2024, which trades speed for complex coding and math processes, marking a significant step forward in generative AI capabilities.
Personal AI, which leverages individual user data to offer a more personalized experience, is also an area being explored.
Google Gemini, an AI-powered personal assistant, is an example of personal AI in action, integrating with Google services to enhance productivity and streamline tasks.
If this caught your attention, see: Roundhill Generative Ai & Technology Etf
Industry Impacts
Generative AI has the potential to generate $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in value across industries. Its precise impact will depend on a variety of factors, such as the mix and importance of different functions, as well as the scale of an industry's revenue.
The retail industry is estimated to gain roughly $310 billion in additional value from generative AI, mainly by boosting performance in marketing and customer interactions. High tech, on the other hand, will benefit from generative AI's ability to increase the speed and efficiency of software development.
Here are some key industries and their potential value gains from generative AI:
- Banking: $310 billion in additional value from improved efficiencies in risk management
- Life sciences: significant contributions to drug discovery and development
- High tech: increased speed and efficiency of software development
- Retail: $310 billion in additional value from improved marketing and customer interactions
Virtual Assistants and Chatbots in the 2010s
Siri, the first functional digital virtual assistant, was introduced on Oct 4, 2011, with the iPhone 4S.
The use of chatbots increased significantly in the 2010s, revolutionizing the way people interact with technology.
Generative adversarial networks, or GANs, were developed to create synthetic data that's difficult to distinguish from real data, allowing for more realistic virtual assistants and chatbots.
A GAN consists of two neural networks: one that acts as a discriminator and the other as a generator, with the generator trying to imitate real data to trick the discriminator.
This technology has the potential to create more human-like conversations and personalized experiences, making it a game-changer for industries like retail and customer service.
Retailers like Stitch Fix have already started experimenting with DALL·E, a text-to-image generation tool, to visualize products based on customer preferences.
This technology can help retailers create a more personalized experience for their customers, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Generative AI can also be used to improve the process of choosing and ordering ingredients for a meal, or preparing food, by pulling up popular tips from recipe comments.
Chatbots can have human-like conversations about products, increasing customer satisfaction, traffic, and brand loyalty.
Generative AI offers retailers and CPG companies many opportunities to cross-sell and upsell, collect insights to improve product offerings, and increase their customer base, revenue opportunities, and overall marketing ROI.
You might like: Generative Ai Human Creativity and Art Google Scholar
Smarter Chatbots in the 2020s
Smarter chatbots are revolutionizing the way we interact with businesses and each other. They can perform research, support good writing, and generate realistic videos, audio, and images.
These "smarter chatbots" are made possible by the combination of generative AI training with large language models. This technology has the ability to think and reason, and might even be able to "imagine."
Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize customer operations, improving the customer experience and agent productivity through digital self-service and enhancing and augmenting agent skills. Research found that generative AI increased issue resolution by 14 percent an hour and reduced the time spent handling an issue by 9 percent.
By automating interactions with customers using natural language, generative AI can improve customer satisfaction and retention. For example, generative AI can instantly retrieve data a company has on a specific customer, helping a human customer service representative more successfully answer questions and resolve issues during an initial interaction.
Here are some examples of the operational improvements generative AI can have for specific use cases:
- Customer self-service: Generative AI-fueled chatbots can give immediate and personalized responses to complex customer inquiries.
- Resolution during initial contact: Generative AI can instantly retrieve data a company has on a specific customer.
- Reduced response time: Generative AI can cut the time a human sales representative spends responding to a customer.
- Increased sales: Generative AI can identify product suggestions and deals tailored to customer preferences.
Generative AI can also enhance customer value management by delivering personalized marketing campaigns through a chatbot. Such applications can have human-like conversations about products in ways that can increase customer satisfaction, traffic, and brand loyalty.
For another approach, see: Generative Ai for Customer Experience
Business Leaders
Companies must move quickly to capture the potential value of generative AI, while managing its risks. This means understanding the technology's capabilities and limitations, as well as its potential impact on the workforce.
Generative AI can significantly boost software engineering productivity, with a direct impact of 20 to 45 percent of current annual spending on the function. This value arises primarily from reducing time spent on activities such as generating initial code drafts and code correction.
Business leaders should consider the mix of occupations and skills needed across their workforce, which will be transformed by generative AI and other artificial intelligence. A company's hiring plans and retraining programs should be designed to enable these transitions.
Large technology companies are already selling generative AI for software engineering, including GitHub Copilot and Replit, which are used by millions of coders. Microsoft's GitHub Copilot completed tasks 56 percent faster than those not using the tool.
To ensure the technology is not deployed in "negative use cases" that could harm society, companies should have a role to play in mitigating its risks. This includes reducing biases, enhancing transparency, and accountability, as well as upholding proper data governance.
See what others are reading: Prompt Engineering for Generative Ai
Industry Impacts
Generative AI has the potential to generate $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in value across industries. The precise impact will depend on various factors, such as the mix and importance of different functions, as well as the scale of an industry's revenue.
The retail industry, including auto dealerships, could see a significant boost in value, estimated at around $310 billion, by leveraging generative AI in marketing and customer interactions. This is just one example of the vast potential of generative AI in various industries.
In the banking industry, generative AI can improve on existing AI efficiencies by taking on lower-value tasks in risk management, such as required reporting and monitoring regulatory developments. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.
Here are some examples of the potential impact of generative AI in different industries:
The life sciences industry is also poised to benefit from generative AI, particularly in drug discovery and development. This could lead to breakthroughs in medical research and improved patient outcomes.
As generative AI continues to evolve, it's essential to address the risks associated with its adoption, such as ensuring AI is used ethically and reducing biases. This requires a collaborative effort from businesses, governments, and society as a whole.
Virtual Expert for Employee Performance
Generative AI is transforming the way companies support their employees, particularly those in frontline roles. A virtual expert trained on proprietary knowledge can provide always-on, deep technical support, freeing up frontline workers to focus on high-value tasks.
This technology can monitor industries and clients, sending alerts on semantic queries from public sources. For example, Morgan Stanley is building an AI assistant using GPT-4 to help tens of thousands of wealth managers quickly find and synthesize answers from a massive internal knowledge base.
Frontline workers can access a vast amount of data, enabling them to provide better customer experiences. A European bank has leveraged generative AI to develop an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) virtual expert that synthesizes and extracts information from long documents with unstructured data.
Generative AI can also reduce the significant costs associated with back-office operations. Customer-facing chatbots can assess user requests and select the best service expert to address them based on characteristics such as topic, level of difficulty, and type of customer.
Here are some potential benefits of using generative AI for employee performance:
- Always-on technical support
- Improved customer experience through access to data
- Reduced costs associated with back-office operations
- Enhanced service expert selection and routing
By leveraging generative AI, companies can improve employee performance, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience.
Policy Makers
Policy makers have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of work. They need to consider what the future of work will look like at the level of an economy in terms of occupations and skills, and what this means for workforce planning.
To support workers as their activities shift over time, policy makers can establish retraining programs that enable people to retrain while continuing to support themselves and their families through earn-while-you-learn programs like apprenticeships.
Policy makers must also take steps to prevent generative AI from being used in ways that harm society or vulnerable populations, such as developing new policies or amending existing ones to ensure human-centric AI development and deployment.
To achieve this, human oversight and diverse perspectives must be included in AI development and deployment, accounting for societal values.
You might like: How Generative Ai Can Augment Human Creativity
Individuals as Consumers and Citizens
As consumers, individuals need to balance the conveniences generative AI delivers with its impact on their workplaces. The rapid adoption of generative AI has left many scrambling to deploy and integrate it into their lives.
The technology has the potential to create enormous value for the global economy, particularly in times of climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, it also has the potential to be destabilizing, capable of manipulating language to hurt feelings, create misunderstandings, and incite violence.
Individuals as citizens need a voice in the decisions that will shape the deployment and integration of generative AI into their lives. However, the speed of generative AI's deployment has left many feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate its impact.
The time to act is now, as the next several years will be a roller-coaster ride of technological breakthroughs and innovations. This requires individuals to properly understand the phenomenon and anticipate its impact, accelerating digital transformation and reskilling labor forces.
A different take: Generative Ai Environmental Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are generative AI examples?
Generative AI examples include creating new text, images, music, audio, and videos. These can range from generating art and music to producing written content, such as articles and stories.
What is an AI generated article?
An AI-generated article is written content produced by artificial intelligence tools based on user input, mimicking human writing style. It's a type of content that's generated automatically, offering a new way to create and share information.
Is ChatGPT a generative AI?
ChatGPT is a generative AI tool that creates human-like text responses. It uses specialized AI technology to generate personalized and engaging content.
Sources
- What Is Generative AI? Definition, Applications, and Impact (coursera.org)
- AWS HealthScribe (amazon.com)
- U.K.’s Artificial Intelligence Bill (parliament.uk)
- Pocket (getpocket.com)
- ELIZA (njit.edu)
- Siri (linkedin.com)
- The economic potential of generative AI (mckinsey.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com