"What is AI?"

Of course, Robert! Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and learning from experience.

The "artificial" part simply means it's made by humans rather than occurring naturally — like artificial flowers versus real ones. The "intelligence" part refers to the ability to process information and respond appropriately.

Here's what's important: despite what movies suggest, AI doesn't "think" the way you and I do. It processes information using mathematical patterns. The results can appear remarkably intelligent, but the underlying mechanism is fundamentally different from human thinking.

— Pat

Here's something that might surprise you, Susan: you've probably been using AI for years without realizing it! When your email automatically filters spam into a junk folder, that's AI. When Netflix suggests shows you might enjoy, that's AI. When your smartphone recognizes your face to unlock, that's AI.

Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant? All AI. These everyday applications show that AI isn't some distant future technology — it's already woven into the fabric of modern life.

What's changed recently is that AI has become much more capable and accessible. Programs like ChatGPT represent a new generation that can engage in complex conversations and help with sophisticated tasks.

— Pat

Great question, Frank! Traditional computer programs do follow explicit instructions. But modern AI takes a different approach — instead of programming specific rules, developers show the AI millions of examples and let it discover patterns on its own.

Want to teach AI to recognize cats in photos? You'd show it millions of cat photos. The AI gradually learns to identify the features that make a cat a cat, without anyone writing rules about whiskers or pointed ears.

ChatGPT learned language this way — by processing vast amounts of text from books, articles, and conversations. It developed an understanding of how words relate to each other and how ideas flow, just by finding patterns in all that reading.

— Pat

Linda, this is something many people wonder about! The conscious, emotional robots from movies don't exist — and may never exist. What we have today is called "narrow AI," which means it's designed for specific tasks.

Your spam filter is excellent at catching junk email but can't write a poem. ChatGPT can have conversations on countless topics but can't control your car or make coffee. Each AI tool has real limitations outside its specialty.

The AI that could do anything a human can do — often called "general AI" — remains firmly in the realm of science fiction for now. So no need to worry about robot overlords!

— Pat

Eleanor, you don't need to understand the technical details any more than you need to understand engine mechanics to drive a car! But having a basic grasp of what AI is and isn't helps you use these tools effectively.

Understanding AI matters because it's reshaping how we work, communicate, and solve problems. You'll be better equipped to benefit from AI tools, evaluate claims about what they can do, and participate in conversations about technology that affects your life.

The good news? You've already taken the first step by asking this question!

— Pat