The term "AI" has emerged triumphant as Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2023, underscoring the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence in diverse aspects of contemporary life. OpenAI's ChatGPT, along with other generative AI innovations, has played a pivotal role in catapulting AI into mainstream conversations and sparking discussions on its multifaceted impact.
The usage of the term "AI" has experienced an unprecedented surge, leading Collins Dictionary to recognize it as the Word of the Year. The term has permeated daily discourse, reflecting its omnipresence in various sectors. The dictionary notes that AI has become a ubiquitous force akin to email and streaming platforms in people's lives.
OpenAI's ChatGPT, a prominent generative AI technology, has significantly contributed to the popularization of the term "AI." Launched last year, ChatGPT brought the power of AI to the general population, sparking widespread discussions about its potential and implications. The chatbot's influence has extended beyond tech circles, making AI a central topic in global conversations.
While ChatGPT has garnered attention, the term "AI" is associated with a broader spectrum of technologies. Generative AI, encompassing innovations like ChatGPT and DALL-E, has become the focal point of discussions on AI's capabilities. From transforming education and art to impacting Hollywood strikes, generative AI is reshaping narratives about artificial intelligence.
Although ChatGPT remains a beloved outcome of AI, other AI-powered tools are showcasing transformative capabilities. Google DeepMind's AlphaFold, an AI algorithm predicting protein structures, exemplifies AI's potential in drug discovery and vaccine development. The broader AI landscape extends far beyond chatbots, with applications in solving complex problems and enhancing various domains.
Despite AI's groundbreaking achievements, including contributions to healthcare and mathematics, OpenAI's Sam Altman acknowledges its short-term overhype. Comparisons are drawn to the fate of NFTs, the previous Word of the Year, as the industry faces scrutiny and potential challenges. The narrative around AI's future unfolds with cautious optimism.
Collins Dictionary's recognition of "AI" as the Word of the Year highlights the transformative journey of artificial intelligence from specialized discourse to mainstream dialogue. Fueled by the impact of technologies like ChatGPT, the term encapsulates the collective imagination and curiosity surrounding AI's role in shaping the present and future.
