Artificial intelligence, often called AI, is showing up everywhere. It helps answer questions, suggest videos, sort email, translate languages and even create pictures or stories. AI can sound complicated, but the basic ideas are not hard to understand. Here are 10 important AI terms explained in plain language.
1. Artificial intelligence, or AI
Artificial intelligence is when a computer does things that usually require human thinking. It can answer questions, sort information, recognize patterns and help make decisions. AI is used in voice assistants, search tools, spam filters, maps, games and many apps people use every day.
For example, when you ask Siri or Alexa a question and it answers you, that is AI.
2. Machine learning
Machine learning is a way for a computer to learn from lots of examples. Instead of being told every single step, the computer looks for patterns in information. Over time, it can get better at making guesses or suggestions. For example, when Netflix suggests shows based on what you watched before, that is machine learning.
3. Deep learning
Deep learning is a special kind of machine learning. It helps computers find patterns in pictures, sounds, words and other complicated information. It uses many layers of computer processing to help solve harder problems, such as recognizing faces or understanding speech. For example, when a phone unlocks by looking at your face, deep learning may be helping it recognize you.
4. Generative AI
Generative AI creates new things. It can help write stories, make pictures, create music, summarize information or help write computer code. It works by learning from many examples and then producing something new based on the instructions it receives. For example, an AI art tool can make a picture of a dragon flying through space from just a few words.
5. Natural language processing
Natural language processing, sometimes called NLP, helps computers understand human language. It allows computers to read, write, listen, translate and reply in ways people can understand. NLP is used in translators, chatbots, spelling tools and grammar helpers. For example, when Google Translate changes English into Spanish, that is natural language processing.
6. Large language model
A large language model is a computer system trained on a very large amount of text. It learns how words, sentences and ideas often fit together. This helps it answer questions, explain topics, summarize information, and write in a human-like way. For example, when ChatGPT helps someone draft a paragraph, that is a large language model in action.
7. Neural network
A neural network is a computer system made of connected math parts that work together. It is loosely inspired by how the brain connects ideas, although it is much simpler than a real brain. Neural networks help computers recognize images, sounds, speech and patterns. For example, a self-driving car using cameras to spot lanes, people and stop signs may use neural networks.
8. Prompt engineering
Prompt engineering means giving clear instructions to AI. The words you type into an AI tool are called a prompt. A better prompt usually gives you a better answer. It is a little like learning how to ask a smart helper the right question. For example, typing “Write three easy facts about sharks for sixth graders” is a prompt.
9. Data
Data is the information computers use to learn. Data can be words, numbers, photos, videos, sounds or measurements. AI systems use data to find patterns and make better guesses. For example, a fitness watch counting your steps each day is collecting data.
10. AI ethics
AI ethics is about making sure artificial intelligence is used in ways that are fair, safe, honest and helpful. This matters because AI can affect school, work, shopping, news, privacy and daily life. People need to ask whether AI tools are treating people fairly and whether their answers can be trusted. For example, checking that an AI tool does not treat one group of students unfairly is part of AI ethics.
The big idea
AI is not magic. It is technology that uses information, patterns and instructions to help computers do useful things. The most important thing to remember is this: AI can be a helpful tool, but people still need to think carefully, ask good questions, check the answers and use it responsibly.
Are you interested in learning more? Want to know how to use simple AI tools to use in your everyday life or business? Send me an email at doc@thedigitaldocs.com, and I’ll send you a free, six-page, easy-to-understand guide. Until next time: stay safe out there!
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
