What is Artificial Intelligence?
Types of AI: Narrow vs General
Not all AI is created equal. Let's break down the different categories you'll hear about.
The AI Spectrum
1. Narrow AI (ANI) - What We Have Today
Narrow AI (also called "Weak AI") is designed for specific tasks. This is ALL the AI you interact with today:
- ChatGPT/Claude - Text generation and conversation
- Google Search - Finding relevant information
- Spotify - Music recommendations
- Tesla Autopilot - Driving assistance
- Face ID - Facial recognition
Key insight: These systems are incredibly good at ONE thing but can't do anything outside their specialty. ChatGPT can write poetry but can't play chess (unless specifically designed to).
2. General AI (AGI) - The Holy Grail
Artificial General Intelligence would match human-level intelligence across ALL tasks. It could:
- Learn any new skill
- Transfer knowledge between domains
- Reason abstractly
- Understand context like humans do
Status: Does not exist yet. Experts debate whether we're 5 years or 50+ years away.
3. Super AI (ASI) - Science Fiction (For Now)
Artificial Super Intelligence would surpass human intelligence in every way. This is the stuff of movies like The Matrix.
Status: Purely theoretical.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Capabilities | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow AI | One specific task | Siri, ChatGPT, Spam filters |
| General AI | Any intellectual task | None exist |
| Super AI | Exceeds human intelligence | Science fiction |
What This Means for You
When you use AI tools today, remember:
- They're specialized tools, not thinking beings
- They excel in their domain but fail outside it
- They don't "understand" - they predict patterns
Next up: Let's clarify the difference between AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. :::