Generative artificial intelligence

The Specifics of Generative Artificial Intelligence

As the name suggests, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) tools specialize in creating content. By interacting with a tool’s interface, users can make a request (referred to as a "prompt") in a format that the tool accepts. The interface processes this request, communicates it to the AI, which then generates an appropriate response, relayed back to the user via the interface.

This process reveals a few important insights:

1. The type and quality of the content generated by a genAI tool largely depend on the user's prompt. For instance, the requests “write a poem about chocolate mousse in alexandrines” and “what are the differences between a cheetah, a leopard, and a jaguar” will result in vastly different outputs.

2. Not all genAI tools function in the same way. Some only accept text-based prompts, while others can process voice recordings or images. Similarly, not all of these tools generate text; some specialize in producing other types of media, such as images or sound.

3. Users do not interact with the AI directly. Instead, they communicate via an interface, which handles the interaction with the AI. This intermediary ensures that the communication is secure, structured, and user-friendly.

The Proliferation of Tools

Since 2022, the number of generative AI tools has grown rapidly. While some tools offer experiences similar to each other, others are unique and designed for more specific needs.

For example, tools like Gemini, Copilot, Claude, Jasper, and YouChat provide experiences comparable to ChatGPT but differ in how they are programmed (both in terms of AI models and the user interfaces). Depending on the user’s goals, skills, or preferences, one tool might be more suitable than another.

In contrast, Leonardo AI is a genAI tool designed specifically for image generation, setting it apart from text-based tools like the ones mentioned above. Within the same category of image generation, tools such as MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, Firefly, DALL-E, and Ideogram offer similar functionalities, though each with their unique features and strengths.

Apart from highly specialized tools, most genAI platforms can be grouped into broad categories. These categorizations vary depending on who creates them, and some websites, like Aixploria, specialize in cataloging and categorizing AI tools.

Hands-On Practice

For this activity, we’ll explore Perplexity AI. Visit the site and ask questions related to your area of expertise, a favorite subject, or even a personal passion. What stands out to you? How does this experience differ from using a tool like ChatGPT?

Once you’ve explored, find the most reliable source it provides and copy/paste the link into the activity below to proceed.