From information to intelligence, a new age for humanity presents an opportunity for college students:
We are on the precipice of a new age of humanity.
Human advancement has been delineated by ages defined by our tools and technology. The Stone Age spanned over 3 million years. The Bronze Age, thousands. The Iron Age, hundreds. The Information Age, driven by the internet and personal computing, has lasted just decades. We are in a period of exponential change that shows no signs of slowing down.
In modern times, we have rapidly progressed through three industrial revolutions fueled by steam, electricity and digitization. The first generated mass amounts of power. The second distributed that power to the masses. And the third used that power to make information widely available. Now, we stand at the dawn of a new age, a fourth industrial revolution, where tools to synthesize information are becoming widely accessible—the intelligence age.
Just as the steam engine and computer chip fundamentally transformed society, the emergence of accessible artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools mark the beginning of a seismic shift in society. We are moving beyond merely accessing information into generating intelligence from data. Information is raw data and facts; intelligence is the insight derived from information through analysis, synthesis and interpretation that provides contextual utility.
Powerful machine learning tools that actively synthesize facts to produce insights and customized recommendations are becoming widely accessible. AI chatbots can now hold natural conversations and answer complex questions. Reinforcement learning algorithms can master games with superhuman skill. Computer vision techniques enable robust image and video analysis and production.
By all indications, just as computers currently help us with advanced repetitive calculations, modeling and access to information integral to almost every aspect of modern society, machine-driven intelligence systems will soon serve as our partners in analysis, synthesis, production and decision making.
While there are potential negative ramifications, I hope that we will forge a future where the least enjoyable parts of modern work are augmented by intelligent systems. A future where we will wisely provide the nuance, creativity, and morality to direct these technologies towards the betterment of society. However, the only way to do so is through being involved with these systems and what they have to offer right now.
That’s why it is imperative that universities like LSU prioritize equipping students to utilize AI across every discipline. Course curriculums should incorporate opportunities for students to apply intelligent systems within their fields, whether they be science, humanities or arts.
Exposure to AI tools as part of core education will prepare graduates to utilize new technologies for complex problem solving and gain a competitive advantage. Universities should make AI research and development a strategic priority. Dedicated funding, technology infrastructure and partnerships with industry leaders will allow campuses to produce impactful innovations while giving students hands on experience with emerging technologies.
The future competitive advantage will go to those institutions and individuals taking steps today to build the AI leadership of tomorrow.
