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Throughout 2023, artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight. AI grabbed headlines and became the topic of an increasing number of discussions. Because of this increased prominence, Collins Dictionary has chosen the term “Artificial Intelligence” as the “word of the year.” According to Collins Dictionary, the use of AI, defined as “the modeling of human mental functions by computer programs,” has doubled this year. According to the BBC, Alex Beecroft, the director of Collins Dictionary, AI has been “the talking point of 2023.”
“We know that AI has been a big focus this year in the way that it has developed and has quickly become as ubiquitous and embedded in our lives as email, streaming or any other once futuristic, now everyday technology,” he added. AI was everywhere, from suggesting meals using leftover cabinet ingredients to acting as a therapist… AI did it all. Not only that, but it was a source of dread and fear for many. This featured warnings that artificial intelligence could be used to create chemical and biological weapons, in addition to the regular ‘will computers take over humans’ tales.
Artificial intelligence was not the only word on the list
In March, more than 1,100 notable signatories, including Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Tristan Harris of the Center for Humane Technology, signed an open letter calling on “all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4.” They reasoned that as AI systems become more “human-competitive” at general tasks, humans need to ask, “Should we risk losing control of our civilization?”. There were also concerns about copyrights, as AI “used” work made by artists to “create” its own art. AI-generated deepfakes were also a cause of concern, with reports of the technology being used for propaganda.
Artificial intelligence was not the only word on the list. Its contenders included de-influencing, which is when renowned people use their celebrity to warn followers about hazardous things, and nepo baby, which is a term for people, particularly in the entertainment sector, who rose to prominence due to having famous parents.
