Most people associate artificial intelligence with tech giants, scientists, computer geeks, or sci-fi robots. They imagine AI as something distant from their everyday lives. However, it’s a misconception. Artificial intelligence has integrated into daily life, often unnoticed, influencing the way people work, shop, and communicate.
According to a survey by Pew Research Center of more than 11000 American adults, 44% think they do not regularly interact with AI. Once you see how AI touches various aspects of modern life, it’s clear that staying out of reach of AI is nearly impossible.
Read on to learn about 12 ways artificial intelligence is unknowingly changing your life.
Personalized Streaming Recommendations
Most people do not care how Netflix knows exactly what you want to watch next. 83% of consumers in the US use subscription-based streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
AI algorithms study your viewing history, ratings, likes, and dislikes to curate tailored recommendations. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify use machine learning to predict what content will keep you engaged. These systems adapt as your tastes change, making your entertainment experience feel personal and seamless, all while operating quietly in the background.
Personalized Suggestions By Smart Assistants
Your favorite virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are also powered by AI. They don’t just answer questions, set reminders, or play songs for you; they also learn from your interactions to provide better service over time. For example, they can suggest nearby restaurants based on your previous searches or offer traffic updates for your usual commute. This convenience is only possible due to advanced AI systems working behind the scenes to make your life easier.
Recommendations During Shopping
When you browse through products on Amazon and eBay, the AI working quietly in the background makes your shopping experience smoother, more engaging, and more enjoyable. These platforms use AI to recommend products based on your browsing and purchasing history. AI-powered Chatbots assist with customer service, answering questions, and guiding you through purchases. Even the – similar items – suggestions are the result of AI analyzing your preferences to offer personalized options.
Targeted Ads
Have you ever looked at a product online, only to see its ads following you on your social media journey? Well, AI is to be blamed. Advertising platforms use machine learning to track your online behavior and show ads tailored to your interests. While it can be intrusive and annoying for some, it’s a powerful example of how AI influences your decisions without you even realizing it, blending seamlessly into your digital experience.
Fraud Detection And Online Security
AI protects you from fraud and cyber threats every day. Banks use AI to monitor transactions for unusual activity, flagging anything suspicious for your safety. In the same manner, AI-powered systems detect phishing attempts, malware, and hacking efforts to keep your data secure. These technologies work silently in the background, ensuring users get a safer online experience.
Improving Diagnostics
From virtual health assistants who help schedule appointments to systems that analyze medical images for early detection of diseases, AI is improving diagnostics and treatment. AI-powered fitness trackers and apps like Fitbit or MyFitnessPal also help individuals monitor their health, providing personalized insights based on their activity and habits to promote healthier lifestyles.
Personalized Social Media Feed
The posts and videos you see on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok are not random but are chosen by AI algorithms after studying your behavior and activity, such as what you like, comment on, or share, to personalize your feed. While this keeps your experience engaging and ensures you see only the content you enjoy, it raises concerns about echo chambers and how AI might subtly influence your perceptions of the world. The effects of echo chambers are believed to occur on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, which play an ever-growing important role in the politics of many democracies.
Recommended Navigation And Traffic Updates
When you use Google Maps or Waze, the leading mapping apps in the United States, AI is at work. These apps analyze real-time traffic data, weather conditions, and user reports to recommend the best path. AI also powers ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft, optimizing routes, matching drivers with riders, and even predicting demand to keep the system efficient and reliable.
Chatbots Coming To Rescue
AI chatbots are being increasingly used in customer service. From resolving a billing issue or asking for product information, there is a good chance you are talking to an AI. These systems can handle multiple inquiries simultaneously, offering quick responses and freeing up human agents for complex problems that require human intervention.
Speeding Bank Services
AI helps streamline behind-the-scenes processes like loan approvals by analyzing credit scores and financial behavior. Personal finance apps, like Mint or YNAB, use AI to track your spending habits, set budgets, and offer saving tips. These tools make managing your money easier and more efficient, providing insights you might miss on your own.
Email Filters
If you thought AI could not get any more personal, you could not be more wrong. AI also regulates your email. When you check your email, spam filters powered by AI work to keep unwanted messages out of your inbox. AI analyzes and identifies patterns and keywords in emails to determine what might be harmful or irrelevant. It ensures you see only relevant emails while the rest are filtered out without your knowledge.
Personalized Education Style
Online platforms like Duolingo, Coursera, or Udemy use AI to adapt courses based on our learning pace and style, assess your progress, and adapt lessons to your needs. Furthermore, the next time you use ChatGPT for writing your school essay or building up your professional resume, thank AI.
