The list of AI tools is continuously developing and improving, making it easier for both candidates and employers to see through each other. Through this, various vendors and organizations saw angles and positions from which they can AI wash.
This post will give you a comprehensive take on how you can equip yourself with the right information in terms of identifying whether a product or service is worthy of being called AI-powered. This can help protect the real value of AI from companies who just want to ride the AI train.
What is AI Washing?
Have you ever heard of greenwashing? Well, AI washing is the same; just with AI. In a nutshell, AI washing is when organizations and vendors call their products and services “AI-powered,” even if actual AI integration is little-to-nothing.
Their purpose? To attract candidates, clients, and investors into thinking that they’re sailing along with the current AI hype.
For example, a company might say that their services are “AI-integrated,” when, in fact, it just uses basic algorithm for automation. In their defense, it makes use of “artificial intelligence” because it does certain tasks that are moderately “human assisted.”
Why AI Washing Should Be Repelled
AI has been one of the most-used terms since the birth of the ever-famous Open AI. In fact, 35 percent of companies believe they’re using AI, while 42 percent are currently exploring it for future implementation.¹
The reason why tech leaders shun AI washing is because of its already-current saturated state. Wherever you look, you’ll see AI. If this continues over time, the real meaning and value of AI will be lost due to the damage of AI washing. This can lead to a domino effect of investors not knowing real AI any longer, turning AI into a nothing but a meaningless word.
AI Leading vs. AI Washing: 6 Ways to Avoid Falling Prey to AI Washing
OpenAI underwent research and studies and said that about 80 percent of current professions are eligible for generative AI technology. This simply means that employees can take advantage of it if it’s AI-powered and be more efficient and effective, causing a thoroughgoing impact on employment. ²
As a tech leader, it is part of our responsibility to inform you of false claims about AI-powered products and services. Here are six key things to take note of for you to easily distinguish true AI-integrated products and services.
1. Highly Proficient Employees
Just because an organization claims that their tools and services are AI-powered, doesn’t mean everyone can handle them. At the least, staff and workers need to either be fully trained or to be knowledgeable in carrying processes out.
AI is such a complex industry. In fact, it requires an orchestration of carefully selected careers and specializations to build, maintain, and improve AI and deep learning. Some of the benchmarks of AI include statisticians, mathematicians, engineers, architects, programmers, and scientists.
Even if it’s AI-powered, there still needs to be a little bit of human intervention to make sure that it provides the best possible actions to organizations and employees that use it.
2. Well-Structured Database
Artificial Intelligence is a complex environment that does not only require skilled employees, but a well-thought out, tactical baseline of algorithms and strategies, too. This framework will be the building blocks of AI programs.
All AI tools heavily rely on data. It’s where they pull the information needed to get you the results you’re looking for. So, the more structured and well-planned a database is, the better the results will be.
Read More: Focus on What Matters: How Managed Services Free Up Your Resources for Value Delivery
3. Continuous Data Structuring
Besides a structured database, companies that are truly integrated with AI will never stop modifying and innovating the infrastructure. There’s no stoppage in AI development, it just keeps getting better and making lives easier.
The ever-changing landscape of technology requires AI-powered companies and organizations to properly assess and manage datacenters, with the goal of securing, protecting, and improving the technical aspects of AI.
A true AI-powered company must be employed in multiple specializations, particularly in research, technology, programming, and even management, all of which are required to make AI systems function. The goal should always be constant improvement.
4. Check “Startups”
Most startups today would either tell you they’re heavily invested in digitization or they’re AI-powered. As the façade of today’s technical innovation, it’s best to know whether they’re true to how they function or if they’re just exaggerating their skills and capabilities.
Many of today’s AI washing cases are from startup companies. They leverage their knowledge about AI without actually inculcating it to operations.
Startups and small businesses today all have one clear goal, which is to make money. Some use the fact that AI is fast paced to attract more customers and investors without clarity on whether they really have AI or not. Believe it or not, claiming that your company is AI-powered can contribute to its increase in its value.
5. Be on the Lookout For “New AIs”
A lot of the programs and tools we use will soon be replaced by their necessary AI counterpart. So, being up to date with the latest trend can help you distinguish real AI from those that are just claiming to have touches of Artificial Intelligence in them.
In addition, following news that revolves around the topic of AI can help leaders and thought-process experts to anticipate everything from compliance to overall functionality.
6. Stay Vigilant and Be Ahead of the Curve
Companies, investors, and organizations are all looking for a way to leverage AI into their operations, in this new age and time. It’s important to remember that most, if not all AI programs currently being used today is based off statistics, data analytics, and structuring, just on a larger and wider scale.
Learning and fully understanding what it is and how it’s defined can allow you to refrain from any incorrect or misinterpreted definition or embodiment of AI.
Knowledge is power and it will be your armor in this industry of fakes and counterfeits.
Read More: Responsible Innovation and AI Adoption: 8 Policy Consideration for Employers
FOSTER AI SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT WITH STRATEGIC SYSTEMS
Strategic Systems has been one of the best and most prominent leaders of the tech industry for almost two decades. Since the rise of generative AI, we’ve been working day and night to gather as much information as we can to help employees and employers alike.
Our experience in the industry allows us to be flexible in the changing environment of network, technology, data, and infrastructure. We’re committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to properly identify the power of AI from misleading claims about it. Contact us today and find out the truth behind distinguishing real AI from exaggerated ones!
References
1 “Global Data from IBM Shows Steady AI Adoption as Organizations Look to Address Skills Shortages, Automate Processes and Encourage Sustainable Operations.” IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2022, IBM, 19 May 2022, https://newsroom.ibm.com/2022-05-19-Global-Data-from-IBM-Shows-Steady-AI-Adoption-as-Organizations-Look-to-Address-Skills-Shortages,-Automate-Processes-and-Encourage-Sustainable-Operations.
2 Hancock, Bryan et al. “Generative AI and the Future of HR.” McKinsey & Company. 5 Jun. 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/generative-ai-and-the-future-of-hr.
