In my middle school era, my fellow students and I learned about artificial intelligence. Robots programmed to complete tasks in the most efficient way possible seemed like an incredible idea. When looking at AI at a younger age, watching a robot complete a task appears unamusing. “I could do that.” “Why do we need robots when humans work faster than this?”

Many movies like I, Robot and The Terminator depict superhuman forms that have the advantage of AI and machinery, creating fears of robotic hybrids like cyborgs taking control. THe robots in these movies recognize robots learning the ways of being "human", but never directly are considered human themselves. Despite that these movies are noted to be fiction, the realism of the movies easily creates cognitave dissonance in the public.

These movies have depicted robots that study human emotions and act properly upon them, making them appear human-like. Scientists have created realistic-looking robots that look like humans, but in videos and previews it is clear they are robotic. With physical robots that we can interact with, there are numerous factors that separate them from humans.

Movies are designed for entertainment and represent the creativity of individuals in the public, which brings the friendly reminder that HUMANS created these aritifical intelligence movies.

However, there is an underlying factor that many forget to consider.

Humans created AI, and humans are in charge of controlling its potential. Unlike many futuristic movies that show robots taking over the world, the intelligence of robots has not reached that point, being highly reliant on human control and programming.

Physical robots are what create fear in the public, but our use of AI comes in the form viritual assistants online, chatbots, and different AI analytic tools that can boost our creativity. They are not nearly as scary as the AI depicted in movies, and despite the negative outlook of the public towards AI, they have become more useful tools.

I was like you when I began college, trying to avoid AI entirely because I thought I could come up with every idea alone and out of fear. While exploring digital marketing and communications, I discovered the convenience of AI. I have a habit of blanking out on a topic despite having in-depth knowledge, resulting in getting stuck. Whether I have too many ideas circling my mind at once or nothing comes to mind, something as simple as throwing words into AI can help spark my brain to continue writing.

I have started working with AI to help generate ideas or provide assistance when I’m stuck on a topic. We learn to expand our knowledge on numerous subjects, but we will never know anything and everything. With AI now available at our fingertips, it can search statistics and research to find that missing word or phrase that can push you in the right direction.

I am NOT suggesting using artificial intelligence to generate essays and do the work for you. AI’s use of online information always has flaws, but it can conduct research and make discoveries that may not have crossed your mind.

I probably instilled a little fear in your mind for the future of robots, but here we are referring to the potential of AI assistants that use research as learning. The continuation of online artificial intelligence is not meant to be feared, rather appreciated and take advantage of.

Don't worry about robots for now. Maybe in the future, but in terms of AI assistants, I've continued to familiarize myself with them to reduce my fear. If you have any concerns with AI and want to put your mind at rest, I have been in your shoes and would happy to comfort you to the best of my ability.

AI can be considered scary or unnerving since you may not be familiar with it quite yet, but I strongly encourage you to jump onto the AI train as it takes off.