7 Questions You Have About Artificial Intelligence (But Are Afraid To Ask)

“AI” or Artificial Intelligence are the buzz words encapsulating every industry in ways most people don’t understand, though many are afraid to admit that.  Even the ones promoting its use and integration into every aspect of our daily lives don’t quite “get it”.  We’re still in the “wait-and-see era” of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning taking over and turning things into a real iRobot situation (like the 2004 movie with Will Smith), so in the interim, let’s explore the 7 Questions You Have About Artificial Intelligence (But Were Afraid To Ask):

1. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

In a nutshell, “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines and systems that are programmed to think and learn like humans. Artificial Intelligence systems can perform a range of tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, visual perception, speech recognition, recognizing patterns, and language translation.  AI technologies are designed to simulate human cognitive processes, allowing them to learn from experience and adapt to new information.

2. How Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work?

The simplified answer: Artificial Intelligence works by using large amounts of data and sophisticated algorithms to mimic human-like thinking and decision-making.  AI learns things in a similar way that we do, but much faster and on a larger scale.  It takes vast amounts of information (from the web and other sources like our smart devices), then processes it to identify patterns and make connections.  For example, an AI system might analyze millions of photos of bananas to learn what makes a banana look like a banana. Once the system is trained, it can then recognize bananas in new images it hasn’t seen before. This ability to learn from data and apply that knowledge to new situations is what makes AI powerful, hence “intelligent”.  It can then use this learned knowledge to make predictions, solve problems, or perform tasks, all without being explicitly programmed for each specific scenario.

3. What Are The Risks Associated With Using Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence, while offering many benefits, also comes with several risks that we need to be aware of.  One major concern is privacy: AI systems often require large amounts of personal data to function effectively, and the use, misuse, and breaching of this data is an issue that can’t be ignored.  There’s also the risk of bias in AI decision-making, where algorithms may inadvertently discriminate against certain groups due to flaws in their training data or design.  Job displacement is another worry, as AI automation could lead to significant changes in the job market as people lose jobs that are more efficiently done by AI-powered robots and devices.  Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of transparency in AI systems, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made.  Safety issues arise when AI is used in critical systems like healthcare or autonomous vehicles, where errors could have serious consequences, including the loss of human life.  There’s also the potential for AI to be used maliciously, such as in creating deepfakes (i.e. “fake news” or AI-generated media such as images, videos, or audio that convincingly mimic real people, posing risks for misinformation and privacy violations), or autonomous weapons (i.e. Military systems capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention, raising ethical concerns about the use of lethal force and the need for regulation).  Lastly, as AI becomes more advanced, there are long-term concerns about maintaining human control over increasingly sophisticated systems (again, like in iRobot). These risks highlight the need for careful development, regulation, and ethical considerations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment.

4. How Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Helpful And What Are Some Benefits To Using It?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a wide range of benefits across various sectors, significantly enhancing human capabilities and improving efficiency.  By reducing human error and automating repetitive tasks, AI increases accuracy and productivity while allowing people to focus on more creative and strategic work.  Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly leads to improved decision-making and valuable insights in fields like business intelligence and medical research.  AI’s 24/7 availability enables round-the-clock service, enhancing customer experiences through personalized support and improving safety through constant monitoring in hazardous environments.  From streamlining business processes to advancing healthcare diagnostics and treatment planning, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool that not only complements human efforts but also extends our capabilities in ways previously unimaginable, ultimately driving innovation and progress across industries.

5. When Should I Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How Do I Get Started?

As Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent, employees with AI skills will be in high demand. Thus: Now is the time to start!  Learning about Artificial Intelligence and how it works in your industry can make you more valuable to your organization and open up new career opportunities.  AI is already integrated in so many industries and tools (even if you don’t realize it), so by learning more about how it works, you can position yourself (and your organization) to take advantage of this transformative technology.  To get started with Artificial Intelligence, first familiarize yourself with AI concepts so that you can have a basic understanding of AI terminology and concepts.  You can start by reading AI guides or perusing online courses that introduce AI basics.  I started with my tried-and-true book series for learning anything under the sun: Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (2nd Edition), however, I can understand if you want to start with a Beginner’s Guide Online.  Taking some online courses or following some online study guide begins your journey, then your next step is playing around with some user-friendly starter AI tools (I’ll do a future post to delve more into the options, but a fair warning here: Don’t sign up for any new programs without doing some due diligence on what information they’re getting from you (and your devices) and how they intend to use them).  There are many AI tools available for various tasks.  I’m refraining from naming specific ones at this time, because I don’t want this introductory post to be taken as an endorsement of one over the others.  The goal behind your first foray into the world of AI tools is to learn and experiment in a low-stakes environment to get a better understanding of its capabilities and limitations.  That’s why I’m saving this AI tool conversation for a more in-depth post.  In the meantime, try your best to keep up with the latest trends in information technology and follow AI news and developments.  Also, keep an eye out for these discussions in your daily work life, especially if your organization publishes stories or guidance on its use or implementation.  There’s likely going to be a push from all walks of life to get you to start using AI in some capacity, opting to give you “free access” to various tools and capabilities.  Just be aware: When something is given to you for free: YOU ARE THE PRODUCT!

6. How Can AI Help Me Keep My Job And/Or Stay Competitive In My Job, Industry, or Field?

This is the question that I got most often when I surveyed a group of novices about their curiosity of Artificial Intelligence!  A lot of people are nervous about this topic and looking for ways to get a competitive advantage in their job/industry.  Thus, embracing AI tools and using them to enhance your skills, productivity, and value to your organization, can give you that competitive edge.  To help you leverage AI to stay professionally competitive, Look to: 1) Enhance your AI skills and knowledge by learning how it’s being integrated into your field; 2) Improve your productivity and efficiency by using AI tools to analyze large datasets of information to make data-driven decisions or automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on higher-value work; and 3) Stay informed about industry trends to keep up with the latest developments in your field, as well as how AI-powered tools and devices can help improve your personal and social life.  As you work to find the ways that Artificial Intelligence will fit into your professional landscape, remember that AI is meant to augment human capabilities, not replace them, so focus on developing skills that complement AI technologies.  Here’s a few ways this is working for these select professionals:

• Communications Specialist:  AI writing assistants aid in drafting press releases and social media content, and sentiment analysis tools help gauge public opinion on campaigns.
• Human Resources (HR) Specialist:  AI-powered tools are being used to enhance efficiency and decision-making in employment recruitment processes like analyzing resumes and screening candidates.  Additionally, chatbots can be used to handle routine employee inquiries about benefits, policies, and procedures.
• Chief Diversity Officer (CDO):  Artificial Intelligence tools can be used to automate bias detection in company communications and policies, and gauge sentiment analysis about inclusion initiatives among employees.
• [The Other CDO] Chief Data Officer (CDO): AI technology and tools can increase effectiveness by improving data quality, enabling advanced analytics, and fostering cross-functional collaboration within an organization.

7. Was This Article Written By Artificial Intelligence?

You tell me.  Now that you’re at the end of it: Did I write this? Or was artificial intelligence the author? Comment below (or message me on LinkedIn after connecting) and I’ll tell you the answer.

*Simplified Cybersecurity Solutions is a joint venture from SSS for Success (Simplified Social Media Solutions).

• Food Trucks (preference given to Chicago and Minneapolis-based businesses):  Got a must-have culinary treat that has people traversing the globe (or your local city) to find you? Well, we want to work with you!  Food trucks are the ideal place to grow and expand a location-based, mobile marketing initiative, and we’ve got some innovative plans we’re eager to put into action!
• Family-Owned Small Businesses:  We’re looking to work with an established family-owned small business to showcase how the integration of social media can infuse positivity and bring in new business by strategically targeting customers in the social media space.  We want someone with a story to tell about their business that is compelling and encourages people to “shop small” with them.  Multi-generational companies and even social media skeptics are welcomed!  Let us show you how a few simple and easy steps can expand your reach and increase your sales by delivering new and returning customers!
• Faith-Based Organization or Ministry:  We have a great online marketing package that’s primed for a faith-based outreach initiative!  This package is ideal for a ministry that’s looking to bring their offline offerings to the online space (where many of their followers already are).  It’s designed to appeal to the members of your flock that already use varying parts of social and mobile technology, and introduces the organization to some of the ways they can enhance their message in the digital arena.
• Fundraisers (preferably Non-Profits):  Years ago, we had a great experience with a non-profit fundraising initiative, and we’re ready to recreate this success.  Specifically, this campaign will revolve around email marketing and the integration of a very cool platform designed streamline online fundraising and donor relations.
• Open Call (Pitch Us):  If your organization is interesting and deserves consideration, fill out this form and pitch your case.  We’re open and innovative enough to take on an exciting challenge, if one’s presented!

In order to take advantage of this Call for Case Studies, you must:

1. Have a Creative and Collaborative Spirit:  We’re willing to work with you, but we can’t do it alone!  We’ll consult with you and show you the way, and even train you to do the work yourself, if that’s your desire, but you must be actively involved, and ready to tweak some of your old modes of thinking. 
2. Be open-minded enough to know that there will be some trial-and-error as we work to find the right social media marketing mix that works for you, and be willing to explore, experiment, and tweak your plans as needed.
3. Accept and understand that processes will be documented for internal purposes, and may be shared externally via SSS for Success marketing materials (with your approval).
4. Understand that the discounted rate being offered to your comes with an agreement to provide positive promotion of SSS for Success through referrals to colleagues and professional networks.  True, you’re not obligated to do this, but it would be nice.  This is also our incentive to do a great job when working with you!  We want you be so happy you worked with us that you can’t wait to tell at least 5 people about the great products and services you received!
5. Be ready to make more money through sales, donations, and/or additional customers, save money though efficient operations and a better online marketing strategy, and have your biggest social media marketing problems solved through Simplified Social Media Solutions!

Get started now by filling out our intake form. 

We can’t wait to work with you!

Kindra Cotton, Social Media Specialist

A very popular, unattributable internet quote says: "Facebook is for the people you used to know, LinkedIn is for the people you know now, and Twitter is for the people you want to know".  In this statement lies a very important trait of social media outlets: You need to know the network you want to promote your message on, because part of that knowledge includes having an understanding of the target audience that exists there!

A true list of everything you should be thinking about in your Social Media Marketing Plan for 2016 could fill a book, but for brevity’s sake, I’ve provided 16 quick-and-dirty things you should know about social media (by topic) as you start gearing up for the New Year:

1. Websites & Blogs:  As you move forward, be sure to make your website/blog the focal point of your Social Media Marketing activities. Why? Because at the end of the day, this is something you own outright, as opposed to social platforms whose Terms of Service pretty much give them the right to giveth and taketh away on their own whims (with or without notice).
2. Facebook:  Facebook is looking to integrate video better into its platform and to optimize the mobile experience (given that most people now access The Web via a mobile device).  As they also seek to make money (as most businesses do), be on the lookout for a further lockdown on the ways that you can access folks for free.
3. Twitter:  Over 300,000,000 users are tweeting half a billion tweets a day in order to share information and ideas instantly, without geographic barriers.  The platform is continually changing, and they’re working to do what they can to enhance their user’s experience with rich media (i.e. visual content).
4. LinkedIn:  Still the more professional of the “social networks”, LinkedIn is looking to keep its users engaged and further solidify themselves as the go-to network for professional and career opportunities.  You’ll continue to see more use of Company Pages and Sponsored Updates as people figure out how best to use this network to reach their target audience.
5. YouTube:  Without question, YouTube is THE video sharing website garnering billions of views per day and 300 hours of video uploaded every minute!  The average person that visits YouTube spends between 15-40 minutes there, so this is a great way to create content in another medium and increase the likelihood of expanding your audience.
6. Podcasting:  The average daily commute in the U.S. is 26 minutes, and most people that belong to a gym (and visit it) spend at least 2 hours there a week.  All those people need something to listen to; Why not your podcast?  A recent survey showed that podcasting is only being used by 10% of marketers, and this presents an opportunity, especially as people look for ways to differentiate themselves in other crowded digital spaces.
7. E-Newsletters & Email Marketing:  Similar to your website and blog, your email marketing mailing list database is something you own and have hopefully cultivated earnestly over the years, so it’s something you can use to your advantage to continually enhance your relationship with your stakeholders.  Don’t believe what anyone says if they’ve told you “email is dead”.
8. Google+ (or whatever new iteration it takes over the next few months):  Google’s social network offering has been a point of contention pretty much since it debuted.  Both novices and knowledgeable folks have debated the relevance of Google in the social realm, and the only thing that’s clear: Google isn’t going anywhere.  They’ve got too much information on me (and you) to just go silently into the night and not find a way to capitalize it.  For this reason, I implore you: Don’t count Google out, and don’t take your eye of whatever they’re doing!
9. Instagram:  You have to love Instagram as the “perfect marriage” of Facebook’s social ties and Twitter’s active mobile-friendly, visually stunning style!  Those with a need to deliver “real-time” photo or short video-based messages can easily find a home here.
10. Pinterest:  Choosey moms choose Pinterest!  Ok, it’s more than just moms; This pinboard-style photo-sharing website and mobile app lets users create theme-based image collections surrounding interests, hobbies, and events.  And people that use Pinterest, LOVE IT!  If you’ve got a message that can be articulated into a collage-style image board, then this is your new place!
11. Tumblr:  Tumblr lets users post text, images, videos, links, and audio to their tumblelog (a short-form blog), and is very popular among the under 35 crowd.  From a social marketing standpoint, one of the best things about Tumblr is that content there is often the catalyst for things that go viral!  Remember The Dress That Broke The Internet, or colloquially #ThatDress? It all started on Tumblr!
12. SnapChat:  With content intended to be temporary, SnapChat is really big among 13 – 34 year olds who believe their content magically goes away forever after their 10 second “snap” has expired.  The company touts itself as the best way to reach users in the aforementioned age group, and they’ve recently introduced advertising that’s supposed to be game-changing and super-effective.  We’ll see!
13. Mobile Marketing (Users): Mobile marketing is such a huge topic, that you can’t really do it justice in a few brief remarks in a blog post – but I’ll try.  I’ve broken it into three (3) parts, to make it easier to digest in such small blurbs.  Mobile Marketing: Users – More than 60% of adults in the U.S. & Canada have a smartphone, many with more than one device.  Android holds 52.4% of the marketshare, with Apple trailing at 42.6%, and Microsoft at 3.3%.  Not sure how (if at all) Windows 10 will effect these numbers, but it’ll be interesting to watch this trend as 2016 gets underway! 
14. Mobile Marketing (Trends) – Users are going to be thinking mobile first, so you should design your webspaces with this mindset.  Think about how voice search and handheld devices change the nature of how people will interact with your websites and social content, and work on the best ways to optimize this experience.  Also, don’t forget to factor in the use of mobile payments and wearables, and keep your eye on The Internet of Things (IoT), because the Apple Watch and FitBits are only the tip of the iceberg!
15. Mobile Marketing (Apps):  Mobile Apps are cheaper to build than they once were, but more expensive to maintain in the long-run.  However, if you’d like a mobile app for your brand, it continues to be a great way to engage your audience over a significant period of time.  A mobile app can keep people coming back, and keep you in their minds for a long time to come.
16. Location-Based Marketing:  Location-Based Marketing (LBM) is an off-shoot of mobile marketing that certainly falls under its umbrella, however LBM’s strategy is based on a mobile device’s location.  With the ability to target your audience based on the user’s location, you can provide a more personalized experience tailored to their personal preferences and traits.  This means things like pushing location notification messages to nearby stakeholders, or providing turn-by-turn navigation instructions to guide visitors right to your location!  Location-based marketing is a great bridge from “the digital world” into “the real world”, and the possibilities are endless!

Did you find this quick review helpful? Great!  Over the next few weeks, I’ll elaborate on each of these topics more in-depth, but in the meantime, for your own edification, I would suggest checking out “The 2015 State of Social Marketing Report” by Kevin Shively over at Simply Measured and the “2015 Social Media Marketing Industry Report” from the Social Media Examiner.

Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to leave your comments below.

A brief search down my timeline revealed what some considered to be a "joke" sent from the official account of Federal Student AID (an office of the U.S. Dept. of Education that provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college) that reads: "If this is you, you better fill out your FAFSA: fafsa.gov", followed by an edited screen capture from the movie "Bridesmaids" that says "Help me. I'm poor" under Kristen Wiig's character:

The post was retweeted more than 1400 times and favorited over 700 times on Twitter before it was deleted.  As of 11PM CT, it's still listed as a photo in their Photo Album on their Facebook Page (Update: They deleted it sometime after midnight, but we've included a screen capture of it at the bottom of this post).  The best tweet I saw came from Lauren D. Thomas (Engineering Education Researcher/PhD/Practitioner. STEM Ed #GameChanger):

Others on Twitter displayed their unhappiness with this official social media outlet of a federal agency too via the #AskFAFSA hashtag:

You can follow the #AskFAFSA hashtag on Twitter to see other's reactions and the FAFSA response (which hasn't come as of midnight ET tonight): http://twitter.com/hashtag/AskFAFSA?src=hash

The last official tweet before FAFSA's deleted poverty mocking tweet encourages users to interact with them via the #AskFAFSA hashtag.  Should this story pick up tomorrow, under the bright day's sun and "Hump Day Hubbub" the folks over at Federal Student Aid may be in for more than they bargained for!  Currently, they're advertising an #AskFAFSA Office Hours at 5PM on June 25th, and I'd encourage everyone offended by their tweet to #AskFAFSA why they think it's okay to make fun of the poor?!

Whomever is behind this "let's make fun of poor people" campaign needs to be held accountable, and since I'm a concerned taxpayer, I want answers and I'm going to go see if I can find some by contacting FAFSA directly.  As a former federal employee and tax payer, I'm angered at the government's lackadaisical social media policy, if one exists, and the recklessness with which they allow their employees to tweet on their behalf.  Making fun of the poor is not funny, and it especially shouldn't come from government employees, acting in an official capacity on the taxpayer's dime!

As a Social Media Specialist, this also makes me shake my head in disgust because it highlights an issue that many organizational leaders just don't get (until it's too late, since many prefer to be REACTIVE, rather than PROACTIVE), and that is: HIRE A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL TO MANAGE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA!  And yes, in this day and age where "everyone has a smartphone" and a Facebook account, some will mockingly suggest that "anyone can manage your social media", but we see, in times like this, as well as with other failures like United Airline's recent flub with sending an X-rated photo to its followers, that not just anyone can or should be in charge of your social media marketing!

I like to use the analogy that putting someone in charge of your social media because they're "young" (based on the presumption that they "get technology" simply because they are young), is the equivalent of putting a newly minted 16 year old driver behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler truck!  Yes, they've been taught to drive, but they're not ready to handing an 18-wheeler, and when you use social media on behalf of a BUSINESS, you're dealing with a TRUCK and not a MiniCooper!  There's more at stake and more on the line for organizations and businesses, and as such, they need to be more proactive to protect their name and their brand from senseless acts of recklessness like this FAFSA poverty mock, which can be easily avoided with the proper Social Media Policy in place and a Social Media Marketing Plan.

Now, I'm going to do my best to get in touch with some folks at Federal Student Aid, and for those that want more information about FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) (a performance-based organization in charge of awarding approximately $137 billion dollars of your tax money), here are some key folks in charge:

• James W. Runcie is the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid, and he works in UCP (Union Center Plaza), Room 112G1, 830 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.  It looks like his phone number is: 202-377-3003 and his email address is: james.runcie@ed.gov.
• The Internet tells me that Nicole Callahan is the "Digital Engagement Strategist – U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid".  She write's for the "Official Blog of the U.S. Department of Education", and her LinkedIn profile says she interned with Federal Student Aid for a year before becoming their "Digital Engagement Strategist" 3 years ago.  She's also on Twitter: @NACallahan, and it looks like her email address is: Nicole.Callahan@ed.gov.

So to recap: Don't mock the least vulnerable among us while trying to be pithy on the web!

Thanks,

Kindra Cotton, Social Media Specialist

Note: At 11:54PM CT FAFSA posted an apology tweet and later deleted the image from their Facebook album (though you can see a screen capture of it below).  This isn't good enough for me.  I'd like to see their Social Media Policy, and learn about their department's training for employees that manage and monitor these accounts to make sure this doesn't happen again!  As a taxpayer, I have the right to request this information.  I'll report back later with what I find!