Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gotten a negative reputation in some circles. Many fear for their jobs or complain about shoddy results. Those feelings are often valid, but they omit how much good AI can accomplish. Indeed, Microsoft’s AI for Good lab takes on philanthropic projects that advance social good through humanitarianism and health. This book documents dozens of those accomplishments in a brief, accessible format.
This book might immediately appear a bit dated to many since it relies mainly on the technology of machine learning to accomplish its good. Chat GPT only featured itself in a few of the projects. It’s amazing how quickly the technological playing field is moving.
Nonetheless, it provides a summary of the promise that AI can offer the world in ventures like public health, satellite imaging, medical radiology, and medicine in the developing world. Although I was less familiar with humanitarian efforts, the medical efforts (my home domain) were fascinating. I wonder what new efforts have taken place with the advent of advanced Large Language Models (LLMs).
If you find AI disturbing or troublesome, you should read this book. It shows the potential common good that can come from this technology. If you’re interested in large datasets that can accomplish social benefits, this book can inspire you with what’s available. If you’re interested in private-public partnerships, this book highlights a few of those as well. Its series of use cases might just change the way you think of AI and the opportunities it brings.
AI for Good: Applications in Sustainability, Humanitarian Action, and Health
By Juan M. Lavista Ferres & William B. Weeks
Narrated by Andrew Joseph Perez
Text copyright (c) 2024
Wiley
Audio copyright (c) 2024
Ascent Audio
ASIN B0D932FDXW
Length: 9:20
Genre: Artificial Intelligence
www.amazon.com