AI’s impact on society will be huge and fast (2024)
Initially, the overarching perspective: Following a year marked by extensive generative AI excitement, a predictable wave of skepticism has emerged. Despite legitimate concerns from corporate leaders regarding costs and technical challenges potentially impeding generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) deployment, it's crucial to note that this tech is not a fleeting trend.
Mona Attariyan, Snowflake’s Director of Machine Learning, draws a parallel to the transformative impact of smartphones, stating, "It’s comparable to the arrival of the smartphone. Since the iPhone, our interaction with data and applications has skyrocketed, fundamentally altering how we navigate our lives. The advent of generative AI represents a similar paradigm shift, only happening at a much swifter pace."
Acknowledging the tangible disruptions introduced by AI, Christian Kleinerman, Snowflake’s Senior Vice President of Product, emphasizes the substantial opportunities for enhancing business dynamics, ranging from individual productivity to pioneering innovative end-user experiences. He foresees consequential changes in roles, responsibilities, and skill sets.
Amanda Kelly, Co-Founder of Streamlit, notes the evolution in the tech industry, asserting, "For decades, the tech industry has integrated data and digital technology into our work, yet the fundamental aspects of our day-to-day tasks have remained relatively unchanged. We are now at a juncture where technology not only enhances efficiency but empowers business professionals to truly revolutionize their work methodologies."
In the immediate future, this signifies a genuine "democratization of data." Natural language interfaces are facilitating business decision-makers to delve deep into data that previously necessitated the intervention of gatekeepers such as data scientists, business analysts, and other highly technical experts.
