Generative AI

Overview

Generative AI (gen AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that generates content, including text, images and audio. These models learn from existing data to create original content based on patterns.

Gen AI is increasingly integrated into smart devices and many popular apps and services we use daily.

Gen AI systems can process and analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions, but:

• lack the ability to think and understand context as humans do
• may give responses that are biased, inaccurate or harmful

Data and privacy risks are also key considerations. As we embrace the possibilities gen AI offers, it is important to:

• consider the potential risks
• think critically about its limitations so we can become responsible and ethical users

Recommendation systems

A recommendation system is a type of software that suggests products, services or content to users based on data. Recommendations systems are a common application of AI, used by platforms such as:

• social media
• news websites
• video streaming services
• online retailers

These systems suggest content based on a user’s behaviour such as: 

• clicks
• likes
• watch history
• search queries

This can make content feel more relevant and engaging. However, it’s important to think carefully about how these systems shape what we see and how they can contribute to social polarisation.

AI chatbots

AI chatbots come in various forms. Each is designed to serve different purposes, depending on how they’re built and what they’re used for.

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Co-pilot and Gemini have been developed to respond to a wide range of prompts or questions in a human-like way. They can:

• handle complex queries
• generate creative content
• improve over time based on interactions

Multimodal chatbots can also do things like:

• respond to speech
• create realistic images
• create art

Risks of online chatbots

AI chatbots are trained on large datasets from the internet. This means that chatbots may reflect errors or biases found in those sources. They can sometimes produce information that is:

• misleading
• incorrect
• harmful

While their responses often sound convincing, they don’t verify facts or understand context. Relying on them as a primary source of information can affect how people:

• learn
• form opinions
• make decisions

Inaccurate content shared by trusted individuals or platforms can spread misinformation.

Some video game and social media platforms are adding AI chatbots to their service. There are also a range of social AI companion products designed to meet users' social needs, such as companionship, romance and entertainment.

Although AI chatbots don’t understand feelings or emotions, people may start to feel emotionally connected to them. There are also risks around data privacy and the possibility of being exposed to content that is:

• misleading
• inappropriate
• harmful 

This is especially the case for younger or more vulnerable users.

To help users make informed decisions, Common Sense Media has created independent AI product reviews.

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