Myth Busting Artificial Intelligence

Myth 1: AI functions like a human brain

Artificial Intelligence and human cognition are intertwined. AI uses codes and math to mimic nerve transmission, this is called neural networks/nets. These are inspired by the human brain to mimic the brain's natural structure and processes. Neural nets learn to perform tasks by recognizing patterns within the data, there is an input where it equals a value then the output is matched. Since the neural net structure is based on codes and math there is no deep understanding, reasoning, or experience for AI. This means that AI cannot function like a human brain. Additionally, AI cannot learn episodic experiences like humans can, which limits their ability to absorb new knowledge in the way people can.

Myth 2: AI can learn on its own

AI is a subfield of computer science and is a trained program to perform a specific task. The computing technology of AI was developed to compliment humans. Artificial intelligence can only go as far as human cognition, it requires human-derived information to operate and it requires oversight and input to function and improve. AI cannot learn from itself.

Myth 3: AI will eliminate all jobs

Artificial intelligence was developed to compliment human problem solving and decision making. It is a collaborative tool used to enhance human roles. Although some jobs might be eliminated from having the benefit of AI, the emergence of it will also create new job opportunities related to the development.

AI changes the entry level workforce, but there is also a human element to every job. Technology is pushing humans to think and do things differently.

Myth 4: AI is always right

Platforms like Chat GPT produce "hallucinations" which is when your search comes back with information that seems true but turns out to be false

AI systems that rely on data can be biased, outdated, and incomplete which leads the AI system to be incorrect or misleading.

AI systems can be biased, outdated, and incomplete causing the AI system to be incorrect or misleading.

AI is limited to how it processes information. AI uses what is called a "Bottom up" processing, to understand what is in front of it by using shapes and colors to find a match. When the AI has found a match it will generate its answer accordingly. However, Humans use a combination of "Bottom up" processing and "Top down" processing, were a person uses Perception, Attention, and Short Term/Working Memory to "figure out" what they're looking at. What past experience might this individual have with that cue (In this case, a muffin or a Chihuahua) and how did that cue make them feel?

Myth 5: AI is gaurenteed to be beneficial

Artificial intelligence can be beneficial when implemented into a system well, however implementing AI in itself isn't necessarily beneficial. Systems that have pre-existing flaws that implement AI often see their flaws become worse when AI is implemented without adequately addressing the flaws that existed beforehand. Industries will be able to implement AI and see benefits to it (such as how the computer became integrated) although it will be a gradual process that requires careful progression to prevent AI from doing more harm than good.

Myth 6: AI thinks and has feelings like a human

The Turing Test, created by Alan Turing is a test (such as the imitation game) to determine if a machine has the ability to show intelligence and behavior like a human. For example, solving a problem like a child shows true intelligence. Knowing this AI understands emotion, however it cannot grasp context, culture, and personal nuance. AI also cannot replicate human qualities such as true empathy, love, moral judgement, and self awareness.

Myth 7: AI IS UNBIASED

Artificial intelligence is prone to biases transferred from the humans training the AI and as well as being trained on specific pieces of information. AI is incapable of being fully objective, similar to how people are prone to certain biases based on life experiences. Biases can become problematic when taken as objective truth, or when AI is in a position of decision making for certain things, such as health or finances. Biases can contribute to AI hallucinations and wrong outputs.

About the Authors

Kai Demarzo

Philosophy & Psychology Major, Senior

To me the project means making information in the most effective way from a cognitive standpoint. The most valuable thing we learned about AI is

Jacob Enrico

Criminal Justice & Psychology Major, Junior

This project to me is having the ability to work in a group setting and informing other students about some misconceptions surrounding AI and its relation towards human intelligence. I think the most valuable thing I learned is that AI is surrounding us everywhere within our everudau life and I feel its important to be educated on the topic.

Marissa Henderson Psychology Major, Junior

This project means a lot to me. Being able to work with and collaborate with other students to get to an end goal of creating a source to then help other students learn is incredible. I think the most valuable thing I learned about AI is that it really is everywhere (especially in today's society). I also think it's valuable to learn how to become AI literate.

Zachariah Vasquez

Psychology Major, Junior

This project to me is giving me an opportunity to spread awareness about a very important and misunderstood topic, that being AI, and spotlight the intersection between my education and this global dilemma.

Works Cited

AI Disclosure Statement

There was minimal AI use in the production of this website. ChatGPT was used for framing of some questions and grammar correction.

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