Concerns & Benefits of Generative AI for Enterprises
Generative AI uses a set of algorithms to create text, imagery, audio, and video from existing data sets or “training data.” It provides the possibility of accelerating efficiency in business across product development, ideation, and many other use cases with big impact. We see it now in virtual assistants and chat support across large consumer businesses and that’s just the beginning.
But any discussion on AI is always marked by two opposing sides of the story. Do the benefits outweigh the risks or vice versa? The industry is wrestling with a list of potential pitfalls created with the mainstream use of such a sophisticated technology that will continue to require attention, understanding, and protections.
Top Concerns of Generative AI
1. Misinformation and Disinformation
Generative AI can be used to create realistic but fake content, such as deepfakes synthetic media. We’ve seen this at every scale, including recent global “information warfare” that leveraged state-sponsored deepfake videos of President Zelenskyy to create panic and confusion. In this case, we see how AI can be used as a weapon just as much as a tool.
2. Bias
These AI models are trained on large datasets of existing content. If the data is biased, the Generative AI model will also be biased. In simple terms, the data provided may have more “X” than “Y” and so will weigh an “X” value over “Y,” which in context may not be intended and can thereby affect the output accordingly.
3. Privacy and Security
Models often require access to large amounts of data, some which could be private, in order to be trained. This raises concerns about privacy and security, especially if the data is not handled properly by the AI in generated responses. It requires policies and processes to be put in place for added protections.
Top Benefits of Generative AI
1. Reduce Costs & Save Time
One of the most significant Generative AI benefits is the ability to reduce operational costs and save time. By automating repetitive tasks, companies can reallocate resources to more critical areas, which can lead to a competitive edge in the market.
2. Accelerate R&D Through Generative Design
Product development and creation can reap the benefits of testing new ideas faster and finding flaws earlier to net a better product in record time.
3. Information Organization & Discovery
From knowledge-share within companies to on-boarding and employee support, Generative AI can facilitate discovery and information delivery by digesting, tagging, and extracting insights from diverse data sources. The ability to automate and categorize vast amounts of data can quickly separate information by theme and topic, and make access easier and more efficient across an organization.
It’s clear Generative AI has a lot of potential, but that potential comes with considerations for how to best harness the strength of this technology without creating more problems than it solves. To get a deeper understanding, read our whitepaper: The Evolving State of AI.
