Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has become a big topic. You may have used a Chatbot to help you brainstorm planning someone’s birthday party, write an invitation, make a meal plan, or for something else altogether.
For many, AI feels intimidating, and while there is a lot to learn about AI, here is a brief background of the concept and its role.
Like many inventions, such as cars, trips to the Moon, or riding in high-speed trains, these phenomena were part of our imagination long before they materialized. Sci-fi stories from the 1800s have included such ideas! 
And then, in the 1950s, a group of scientists set out to develop “Artificial Intelligence,” which they defined as “machines performing the most advanced human thought activities.” At that time, the sciences were much more exclusive than today, which was also the case with the researchers who coined this term, as they were all male and Caucasian.
Before AI programs were launched not long ago, there were so-called AI winters and AI summers that described how the field of computer sciences and technology prioritized the development of AI. These phases also came along with the ebbs and flows of funding and investment to advance this technology. Over the years, different people had different ideas about the purpose of AI, ethical questions about its development, and what it can do.
Some of the ethical questions stem from the AI “diet,” in other words, what feeds AI. AI programs are basically trained on what you could call pirated ingredients. There are data sets that are used to train AI, and that are mostly used without consent from those who provided the data.
Other ethical concerns are related to
bias. Because of the inequities in our history, as we can see with whose sciences and research were used to build the ideas and innovations that are driving our world today, these inequities are also baked into the AI program’s diet, which means that AI programs could easily replicate these inequities.
When we understand this, we can make more informed decisions, and that is part of what preserves our humanness. 
Using AI can be incredibly helpful and truly make things like planning a party or making a meal plan so much easier. Just remember who the human in the room is!
Now that we are here with the things that only existed in the dreams of our ancestors, like driving cars, flying in airplanes, and programs that can help us reduce stress, live healthier, and so much more, we see how powerful our imagination is!
This also means that it matters what we imagine. So, to preserve and protect our humanness, take time to imagine what you hope to see in the future! For example, imagine a rich and luscious planet that is cultivated by caring humans who protect species from becoming extinct and practice allyship with animals and plants. Imagine that all humans have enough to eat and that their food is provided by local resources. Perhaps there are AI programs or technological tools that are helping humans take better care of each other and the planet.
Warm regards,
Julika
