cover of episode Is AI overrated or underrated?

Is AI overrated or underrated?

2024/9/11
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Darian Woods argues that generative AI will significantly impact the economy, citing examples like increased productivity in existing services (e.g., faster email processing, call center improvements) and the creation of entirely new products and services. He emphasizes AI's potential to accelerate scientific advancements and compares its transformative potential to the printing press. While acknowledging current limitations, he suggests that long-term adaptation of processes and norms will unlock AI's full potential.
  • AI-driven solutions improved productivity by over 30% in call centers and reduced response times in a European government agency.
  • AI is being used to develop new products, such as automated sports reporting for youth leagues.
  • Economist Tyler Cowen likens generative AI's impact to the printing press, predicting substantial long-term economic benefits.

Shownotes Transcript

Are the promises made by AI boosters all hype, or are we actually under-appreciating the transformative potential of AI?Can artificial intelligence make humans more productive, unlock hidden potential and remake work as we know it? Or, should it not even be called intelligence at all, artificial or otherwise.On today's episode, we take sides. Two reporters flip a coin to see who argues which point: is AI overrated or underrated? They bring research, real world examples, expert opinions and warm blooded human insight. You decide who makes the best case.If you're interested in learning more, check out Greg's article 10 reasons why AI is overrated). It includes all sorts of reporting we couldn't fit into the episode. And while you're there, subscribe to the Planet Money newsletter).*Today's episode was hosted by Darian Woods and Greg Rosalsky. These episodes of the Indicator were originally produced by Corey Bridges and they were edited by Paddy Hirsch. They were engineered by Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez and Neal Rauch and they were fact checked by Sierra Juarez. Kate Concannan is the Indicator's editor.Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts) or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney).*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)