ABQ Times

In a recent episode of "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science," titled "Keeping up with Artificial Intelligence," the University of New Mexico's Lobos examined AI's increasing role in daily life. The discussion highlighted how AI has seamlessly integrated into everyday tasks, often unnoticed by users.

Leo Lo, dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at UNM, remarked on the rapid evolution of AI. He stated, “Every time I talk about AI, I have to put out a disclaimer. The information from two weeks ago might already be old news.”

ChatGPT exemplifies this growth, having reached 1 million users in just five days and now boasting approximately 450 million monthly users. AI technologies are embedded in tools like Microsoft Office and iPhones, demonstrating its widespread application.

As AI technology advances, regulatory measures are being considered globally. The European Union initiated efforts with the AI Act to categorize and regulate AI based on risk levels. This move raises questions about balancing innovation with regulation. Lo commented on these challenges: “AI can introduce a lot of misinformation. There are transparency issues, copyright concerns, and the potential for real harm. But at the same time, it’s a massive economic driver, so we have to strike a balance.”

The United States is currently navigating uncertain policy terrain due to leadership changes affecting previous guidelines. Meanwhile, tech companies continue pursuing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could potentially surpass human intelligence in various domains.

Lo shared insights on AGI's progress: “There are different levels of AGI,” he said. “Right now, I’d say we’re at level one... but it’s far from perfect.” He emphasized that while some predict reaching advanced levels where AI outperforms humans in most tasks, others remain skeptical.

AI holds transformative potential across industries such as science, healthcare, and education by taking over mundane tasks and allowing individuals to focus on more meaningful work. However, concerns regarding misinformation, job security, and environmental impact persist.

Reflecting on parallels with social media's rise, Lo noted unforeseen consequences accompanying initial enthusiasm: “We didn’t fully understand social media’s impact until years later,” he said. “AI is the same way; we’re still figuring it out.”

The future trajectory of AI remains uncertain as discussions continue worldwide about harnessing its capabilities responsibly.

" It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science" is available for listening on platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.