In this article, we’ll show you 17 ways that artificial intelligence is
used in day-to-day activities such as:
Email communications
Social media
Web searching
Stores and services
Offline experiences
I. How Artificial Intelligence
Improves Email Communications
1. Email Filters in Gmail
Google uses AI to ensure that nearly all of the email landing in
your inbox is authentic. Their filters attempt to sort emails into the
following categories:
Primary
Social
Promotions
Updates
Forums
Spam
The program helps your emails get organized so you can find your
way to important communications quicker.
For example, Gmail sorts email into 4 different tabbed categories,
and sends the spam mail to a separate folder.
Google claims that AI-powered filtering prevents more than 99%
of spam from getting into your inbox.
2. Smart Replies in Gmail
Smart replies offer users a way to respond to emails with simple
phrases like “Thanks!” or “Let’s do it!” with the click of a button.
Smart replies are tailored to the content of each email. Users can
reply by typing a manual response or may instead choose a one-
click smart reply.
For example, if you send an email to someone about an upcoming
movie release and they reply to let you know that they interested
in seeing the movie, Gmail offers “smart reply” options.
Replies offered include Let’s do it!, I’m in!, or I’m no longer
available.
Smart replies attempt to mimic your personal writing style, and
often do a pretty good job of mirroring the way that you might
genuinely respond.
3. Nudging Reminders in Gmail
Gmail’s “nudging” feature reminds you to follow up on emails
you’ve ignored or forgotten. Using AI, Gmail attempts to
determine which emails require a response, then highlights them
after a few days of non-attention.
This example from Google’s blog shows how nudges work.
Nudges are bold and colorful, offering you a way to quickly glance
at a list of emails and identify the ones that may need attention.
II. How Artificial Intelligence
Improves Social Media
Artificial intelligence makes it easier for users to locate and
communicate with friends and business associates.
Some of the ways you may be benefitting from AI on social media
are:
4. LinkedIn
AI is used to help match candidates to jobs with the hopes of
creating better employee-employer matches.
On its talent blog, LinkedIn explains that they use “deeper insights
into the behavior of applicants on LinkedIn” in order to “predict
not just who would apply to your job, but who would get hired…”
5. Pinterest
Pinterest’s LENS tool uses AI to identify objects in images. Take a
picture of that beautiful maple dining set at your friend’s house
using Pinterest’s LENS tool, and its AI-driven feature will help
find similar tables.
In some cases, you’re even able to find the product’s seller so you
can purchase the item.
6. Chatbots
Chatbots recognize words and phrases in order to (hopefully)
deliver helpful content to customers who have common questions.
Sometimes, chatbots are so accurate that it seems as if you’re
talking to a real person.
For example, the chatbot conversation in the image below shows
AI being used to schedule a hairdresser appointment.
Chatbots attempt to mimic natural language, simulating
conversations as they help with routine tasks such as booking
appointments, taking orders, or answering billing questions.
7. Facebook Proactive Detection
In November 2017, Facebook launched a proactive detection
feature that scans posts to detect patterns that may indicate if a
user may be considering self-harm.
When it detects suicidal thinking patterns, the AI-powered
program sends mental health resources to the person and,
sometimes, also to his friends.
Facebook supports this AI program with human resources such as
trained moderators, partnerships with local mental health
organizations, and local first-responders when appropriate.
For example, in a video shared on Facebook Newsroom, Sheriff
Joseph A. Gerace in upstate New York explains how his
department once received a phone call about a young woman that
was threatening to harm herself.
Thanks to Facebook’s AI-driven detection program, the local
police were notified and able to locate the woman through a cell
phone ping. They were then able to rush her to the hospital, which
saved her life.
III. How Artificial Intelligence Helps
With Web Searches
AI has been used to help with Google searches for quite some time.
8. Google Predictive Searches
When you begin typing a search term and Google makes
recommendations for you to choose from, that’s AI in action.
Predictive searches are based on data that Google collects about
you, such as your location, age, and other personal details. Using
AI, the search engine attempts to guess what you might be trying
to find.
9. Google’s Algorithm
Google search engines evolved over time by studying the
linguistics used in searches. Its AI learns from results and adapts
over time to better meet the needs of users.
For example, a search of “How much is the price of tea in China”
offers Google’s choice of “best answer” highlighted at the top,
followed by a list of sources that answer the question.
The purpose of Google’s algorithm is to deliver the best possible
results to the searcher. In order to do this, Google uses AI to try to
determine the quality of content and match it to the user’s query.
IV. How Artificial Intelligence
Improves Your Experience at Online
Stores and Services
10. Product Recommendations
Amazon and other online retailers use AI to gather information
about your preferences and buying habits. Then, they personalize
your shopping experience by suggesting new products tailored to
your habits.
Below is an example of AI-powered recommendations on
Amazon.com.
When you search for an item such as “Bose headsets,” the search
engine also shows related items that other people have purchased
when searching for the same product.
11. Music Recommendations
Music services use AI to track your listening habits. Then, they use
the information to suggest other songs you might like to hear.
For example, Spotify offers suggestions for new discoveries, new
releases, and old favorites, based on your listening habits.
Google Play also offers personalized music recommendations. Its
AI-powered suggestions take into account factors like weather and
time of day to offer music that can set the mood for activities. For
example, you might be offered a playlist of dance music on a
Friday night, or soft acoustic music on a rainy day.
12. Mobile Banking
AI is used by many banks to personalize your experience on their
mobile apps.
For example, according to Biz Journals, the Wells Fargo app
analyzes account information in order to provide personalized
alerts such as:
Bill pay reminders
Pre-overdraft alerts
Transfer prompts
13. Financial Institutions Fraud
Prevention
Another way that banks use AI is by sending mobile alerts to help
prevent against fraud.
For example, if an unusually large transaction takes place in your
account, you might get a warning alert on your phone.
Or, if you suddenly begin making purchases in a different state,
you may get flagged for fraud prevention, requiring you to call
your bank to personally verify your purchase.
These types of notifications are possible due to the tracking of your
day-to-day financial transactions, allowing AI to recognize unusual
patterns in your spending habits.
14. Maps and Directions
When apps like Google Maps calculate traffic and construction in
order to find the quickest route to your destination, that’s AI at
work.
In the example below, Google Maps offers directions based on the
fastest route according to the usual traffic.
Orange sections of the route indicate where traffic is slower.
V. How Artificial Intelligence Powers
Travel Experiences
15. Ride-sharing Apps
Ride-sharing service Uber uses AI to determine how long it will
take to get from your location to your destination. This lets you
know when to expect a driver or food delivery.
In May 2017, ZDNet tech news website published a report that
revealed how Uber uses artificial intelligence to set prices based on
what they think you might be willing to pay.
A recent report by The Independent claims that Uber is developing
artificial intelligence that will help determine if a rider has been
drinking — before the driver agrees to pick up the passenger.
This AI-powered software would attempt to determine a rider’s
state by analyzing and comparing patterns of typing, walking
speed, and other factors.
16. Commercial Airline Flights
You might be surprised to discover how little flying your friendly
pilot actually does in the cockpit.
A 2015 survey of airline Boeing 777 pilots reported spending only 7
minutes manually flying the plane during a typical flight, with
much of the rest being done by AI technology.
According to a report by Wired Magazine, Boeing is working
toward building jetliners completely piloted by artificial
intelligence — with no human pilots at the helm.
Artificial Intelligence Makes Our
Lives More Efficient Every Day
AI powers many programs and services that help us do everyday
things such as connecting with friends, using an email program, or
using a ride-share service.
If you have reservations about the use of artificial intelligence, it
may be comforting to know that most of us have been using AI on
a daily basis for many years.
