You’ve probably heard the phrase “Artificial Intelligence” mentioned on the news, in conversation or perhaps from a family member. But what actually is it, and what role does it play in your life?
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
At its simplest, AI is when computers are taught to do things that normally need a human brain: like recognising a face or a flower in a photo, understanding spoken language or identifying a bird from its song. To do these tasks, computers need huge amounts of information to learn from. That information is called data. Data can be words, photographs, sounds or even locations.
Think about the last time you were in your local park and you spotted a flower that you liked, but didn’t recognise. Imagine there was a phone app you could use to identify that flower by simply pointing your camera at it.
There are already apps that can do this. When you take a photo of a blue flower with the app, AI compares this to a library of images containing thousands of flowers. Using image recognition, AI searches for patterns (like the colour and shape of the petals), to match your flower to similar ones in the library of images. Within seconds, it can tell you: “That flower is most likely a bluebell”.
Staying Safe and Secure Online
While online tools like these can be handy, it is important to know that most apps collect some information about you when you use them. For example, if you share a photo of a rose, the app might also note your location to understand where that flower is growing.
At Age-Friendly AI events, we discuss simple ways to keep your information safe. A great tip is to check who runs the app you are using. Remember, if an app is free, it’s always worth thinking about: what does the provider get in return for their service? Being informed is the best way to use technology with peace of mind.
Join the Conversation
Age-Friendly AI is a national initiative dedicated to making technology accessible and relevant for older adults across Ireland.
If are curious about how AI impacts your world, there are several ways to get involved:● Local Training Workshops: Keep an eye at your local library for upcoming in-person training sessions. Visit: https://agefriendlyai.ie/events/ ● Online Information Session: Join our first online Information Session on June 17, from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. This session is an opportunity to meet the Age-Friendly AI team and familiarise yourself with the Age-Friendly AI training material. Register via the Age-Friendly AI website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/. ● Stay Informed: Stay up to date with our upcoming training workshops by signing up for the monthly Age-Friendly AI newsletter via our website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/.
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Age Friendly AI will be at the Sligo 50 Plus Show – Click on the image below to Register for Free Admission
