Debunking myths about artificial intelligence

Gazette
Artificial Intelligence
Society
Professor Shervin Shirmohammadi
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor, Shervin Shirmohammadi, addresses some of the most common misconceptions about artificial intelligence, which are often based on sensational notions that are not scientifically sound. (Video)
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By Johanne Adam

In the not-so-distant past, artificial intelligence (AI) was almost exclusively considered science fiction--something you might encounter in a novel or movie. Today, it has become part of our daily lives: it infiltrates our workplaces, accesses our private lives, and sneaks into our leisure time.

Not only is the concept of AI fascinating, but it is tantalizing subject matter for the media. As a result, it is natural to wonder about its future applications—and to be concerned about them. However, as our experts will tell you, these fanciful ideas often embrace sensational concepts that are not scientifically sound.

So how do we separate myth from reality?

Professor Shervin Shirmohammadi, a scientist at the University of Ottawa’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, conducts research on applied AI for multimedia systems and networks. In this video, he discusses the most common myths about AI.

Note that Professor Shirmohammadi bases his observations on current technology and machine learning, not AI’s future evolution.