2024: A Roadmap for AI's Next Big Step
2023 was a whirlwind year for artificial intelligence (AI). ChatGPT wowed us with its ability to generate human-quality text, while chipmaker Nvidia pushed the boundaries of what's possible with graphics processing units (GPUs). But amidst the hype, there were also concerns about AI's potential downsides, from job displacement to bias and copyright infringement.
Why It Matters
In 2024, the rubber will hit the road for AI. Businesses and consumers alike will be looking for concrete proof that AI can make their lives and work better. AI providers will need to find sustainable business models to support their expensive-to-run systems. And policymakers will need to grapple with the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding AI.
The Big Picture
The rapid rise of AI in 2023 created a gap between its theoretical potential and its practical realities. Chatbots can still hallucinate, GPUs are hard to come by, and there are serious concerns about AI's potential for bias and copyright infringement.
However, there are also reasons for optimism. Smaller, more specialized AI models are emerging, and AI tools are becoming more accessible on mobile devices. The development of multimodal AI, which can seamlessly work with both text and images, could also lead to more exciting applications.
Zoom In
AI at Work
For many workers, 2024 will be the year of the AI copilot. These AI systems will automate routine tasks and provide insights and recommendations, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic work. However, there is also a risk that AI could lead to job losses in some sectors.
AI in Daily Life
Expect to see more AI tools on your phone in 2024. These tools could transform everything from the way we shop to the way we interact with friends and family. For example, imagine an AI assistant that helps you plan your weekend activities or choose the perfect outfit for a special occasion.
AI in Enterprise
The EU AI Act, which was passed in 2023, provides some regulatory clarity for businesses using AI. This could lead to increased investment in AI in Europe. In the US, the regulatory landscape is less clear, but there is still a lot of excitement about AI's potential to transform businesses.
AI in Markets
Tech analysts are predicting a "new bull market for the tech sector" driven by AI in 2024. However, tougher regulation could dampen venture capital and startup growth.
AI in Health
The prospect of AI breakthroughs in health is generating a lot of enthusiasm. Experts believe that AI could revolutionize everything from early disease detection to personalized medical treatment. For example, AI could be used to analyze patient data and develop custom treatment plans.
What We're Watching
Copyright Disputes
Copyright disputes around AI are likely to heat up in 2024. One key issue is whether AI developers should be required to compensate creators for using their work to train AI models.
Regulation
Comprehensive federal AI legislation is unlikely to be passed in the US in 2024, but state governments are becoming more active in regulating AI. The EU AI Act will also begin to be enforced in part in late 2024.
Elections
Up to 2 billion people could vote in elections globally in 2024. AI could be used to influence voters or even spread misinformation. It is important to be aware of these risks and to vote based on reliable information.
Be Smart
No one knows for sure how quickly AI will move from Silicon Valley to Main Street. Some experts believe that it could be two years or more before we see widespread adoption of AI. However, there is no doubt that AI is here to stay and that it will continue to transform our lives in profound ways.
What's Next?
Here are a few things to watch in the world of AI in 2024:
OpenAI is set to open its delayed GPT store, an app store for customized versions of the chatbot, in early 2024.
Taiwan goes to the polls on Jan. 13 with unpredictable consequences for geopolitics and chip supply chains.
U.S. and U.K. antitrust regulators are moving to investigate Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI.
2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for AI. It will be a year of reckoning, a year of opportunity, and a year of innovation. Stay tuned!