Where AI Belongs
Thanks to artful storytelling like Westworld, El Machina, and Her, many believe AI is out to displace, replace, and harm hapless humans. While this narrative makes for provocative storylines, it’s also nonsense.
AI practitioners tell a different story. Michelle Lacy, head of data science at Bayer Crop Science, says that her goal is to “put the algorithm behind the button.” This is a simple yet profound statement. Putting AI behind the human interface puts AI where it belongs. The human takes the wheel.
This Spotfire application illustrates this idea. An insurance company uses the analytics dashboard below to monitor hurricanes. AI turns areas red where algorithms predict the worst damage.
This is how you put AI “behind a button.” Humans, aided by algorithms, make better decisions.
AI is unstoppable, but it won’t overrun humans. Its rightful place is behind the button, helping humans make better decisions. In spite of AI, the human condition will remain.
For more about Bayer Crop Sciences and how they use analytics, read: How to Overcome Algorithm Aversion in 2021.
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