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AI comes top place for word of 2023 - 1st Jan 2024

Due to its cultural, economic and political significance, Sensations English has selected AI – Artificial Intelligence – as the word for 2023.

Researched since the 1950s, AI is the use of machine or software intelligence. In March 2023, AI made news headlines with the launch of ChatGPT 4, a virtual assistant that analyses and processes input of original data from the worlds of literature, art and film. It then constructs works – from stories, articles and films to jokes – at lightning speed.

Not long after its release, senior tech experts including Elon Musk wrote a letter to developers. They called for a pause in all significant experiments, concerned about an unpredictable future.

Hundreds of thousands of AI generated images have proliferated on social media since then. These images are typically intended for entertainment, such as the one of Tom Cruise as a Hindu monk and of Taylor Swift as a man with a moustache.

For many artists who don't consent to themselves or their work being used to train AI, these images are a form of theft. Many are demanding stronger safeguarding laws.

Others fear the economic impact of AI, which can achieve tasks generally performed by humans. This places jobs such as journalists, legal assistants, market analysts and even teachers in danger.

While some creative industries are welcoming AI as a remarkable tool, use needs to be monitored. In October, striking Hollywood screenwriters reached a deal over pay and AI. The agreement allowed for writers’ careful use of AI to create works, while respecting the need for their positions to be protected.

Despite being controversial in the workplace, even US judges have admitted to using AI when deciding on a case. Fear's growing over its role in spreading false information, particularly in the field of political elections.

Love it or hate it, there's no doubt that AI's already having a massive impact.