how would you define AI?

2025-11-19 · Source: Jordan Harrod · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

The author, an AI researcher, highlights the ambiguity surrounding the term "AI," noting that its meaning often shifts depending on context and audience. While acknowledging its frequent use as a marketing term, particularly in reference to generative AI applications like image/video generation and chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini), the author also recognizes its broader implications in non-public facing machine learning research. The piece invites readers to share their simplified definitions of AI, specifically how they would explain it to their grandparents, aiming to foster a discussion on diverse perceptions of the technology and potentially inform a future content series.

Key takeaway

For AI researchers or practitioners explaining their work, you should tailor your definition of AI to your audience, recognizing that public understanding often equates AI with generative models. Consider simplifying complex concepts to relatable terms, as the author plans to test various definitions on her grandmother, providing a practical benchmark for clarity.

Key insights

The term "AI" is context-dependent, often serving as a marketing label for generative models.

Principles

• AI definitions vary by audience and application.
• Generative AI dominates public perception of AI.

In practice

• Consider audience when defining AI.
• Distinguish public-facing AI from research applications.

Topics

• AI Definition
• Generative AI
• Machine Learning
• Chatbots

Best for: AI Researcher, AI Engineer, AI Student

Related on AIssential

• AI vs Generative AI: Key Differences, Models, and Real-World Uses — Generative AI is a subset of AI focused on content creation, distinct from traditional AI's analytical and predictive functions.
• Is it an agent or not? Andrew Ng says that question is a distraction. Build instead. — Agentic AI describes a spectrum of AI autonomy, emphasizing building over definitional debates.
• Your AI Glossary: 54 Terms Everyone Should Know - CNET — Understanding AI's rapidly evolving vocabulary is crucial for navigating its pervasive impact and complex technologies.
• Title: What Is AI? Explained in Simple Terms (Yes, Even Your Grandma Will Understand!) — AI enables machines to perform human-like intelligent tasks by learning from data and adapting to new inputs.
• Detailed development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the last year — Generative AI and improved machine learning are driving rapid AI adoption across diverse sectors.
• L’IA, expliquée à quelqu’un qui n’y connaît rien et à quelqu’un qui croit tout savoir — AI's evolution spans from rule-based systems to autonomous, multi-agent networks, with recent rapid advancements.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Jordan Harrod.