What is Generative AI? - NINTH EAST Partners

Generative AI: What it is, its applications, pros and cons, and top 5 risks it brings to organisations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting areas of development is generative AI. This type of AI is designed to create or generate something new, such as images, sounds, or even text. Generative AI works by using machine learning algorithms to analyse and learn from large datasets of existing content, and then using that knowledge to create new content that is similar in style, tone, and structure. While generative AI has many potential applications, it also comes with risks and potential drawbacks that organisations need to be aware of.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a subset of AI that focuses on creating new content. It differs from other types of AI, such as machine learning, which are designed to analyse and make predictions based on existing data. Generative AI works by learning from large datasets of existing content, such as images, audio, or text, and then using that knowledge to create new content that is similar in style, tone, and structure.

Is it complex?

Yes, Generative AI can be quite complex, as it involves using sophisticated algorithms and models to learn patterns and relationships in data, and then generating new outputs based on those patterns. The complexity of generative AI depends on various factors, including the type of data being used, the size of the dataset, the complexity of the generative model, and the desired output.

For example, training a generative model to generate realistic images from a large dataset of photos can be a very complex task, requiring a lot of computational resources and specialised expertise. Similarly, training a model to generate natural language text that is coherent and grammatically correct can also be challenging due to the complexity of language and the nuances of meaning.

However, with recent advancements in deep learning and other machine learning techniques, there are now many tools and frameworks available that can make the process of developing generative AI models more accessible and less complex. These tools can help automate many of the steps involved in generative AI, such as data preprocessing and model selection, and make it easier for developers and researchers to experiment with different models and techniques.

The steps involved in generative AI can vary depending on the specific approach and technique being used, but here is a general overview:

Data collection: Collecting a large and diverse dataset of input examples is often the first step in generative AI. This dataset can be text, images, audio, or other types of data.
Preprocessing: The collected data needs to be preprocessed and cleaned to remove any irrelevant or duplicate data, and to transform it into a suitable format for the generative AI model.
Model selection: Choosing an appropriate generative AI model depends on the type of data being used and the desired output. Popular models include Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs).
Training: The selected model is trained on the preprocessed data to learn patterns and relationships in the input data. This typically involves optimising a loss function, which measures how well the model is generating outputs that match the desired output.
Evaluation: The trained model is evaluated on a separate dataset to measure its performance and identify any issues that need to be addressed. This step may involve tweaking the model’s architecture or hyperparameters to improve its performance.
Generation: Once the model is trained and evaluated, it can be used to generate new outputs based on a given input or set of inputs. The generated outputs can be in the form of text, images, or other types of data, depending on the model and its intended use.
Fine-tuning: If the generated outputs are not satisfactory, the model can be fine-tuned by adjusting the training data or modifying the model’s architecture or hyperparameters.

Applications of Generative AI

Generative AI has many potential applications across a wide range of industries. In the art and design industry, it can be used to create unique and original pieces of art. For example, a generative AI system can analyse a large dataset of paintings by a particular artist, and then generate new paintings that are stylistically similar but completely unique. In the music industry, it can be used to generate new and innovative sound effects. In the field of creative writing, it can be used to generate new articles or stories.

The Pros and Cons of Generative AI

Like any new technology, generative AI has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

Automation: Generative AI can automate content creation, saving time and effort for businesses.
Innovation: Generative AI can create content that is more innovative and unique than what a human could produce.
Scalability: Generative AI can create content at a much larger scale than what a human could produce, making it well-suited for large-scale projects.

Cons

Control: It can be difficult to control the output of generative AI, which could lead to inappropriate or offensive content being created.
Cost: Generative AI can be expensive to develop and implement, and it may not always produce content that is of high quality.
Regulation: Generative AI can create content that violates regulations or laws, which could lead to legal consequences.
Bias: Generative AI can be biased, which could create content that is discriminatory or unethical.
Security: Generative AI systems can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, which could compromise the privacy and security of sensitive data.

The Top 5 Risks of Generative AI to organisations

Graphic generated by AI

Security Risks

Generative AI systems can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, which could compromise the privacy and security of sensitive data. For example, if a generative AI system is used to generate images for a website, a hacker could potentially gain access to the system and use it to create malicious images that could compromise the security of the website.

To mitigate this risk, organisations should ensure that their generative AI systems are properly secured and monitored. This may include using encryption and access controls to protect sensitive data, as well as implementing regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Intellectual Property Risks

Generative AI systems can create content that infringes on existing intellectual property rights, which could lead to legal disputes and financial penalties. For example, if a generative AI system is used to create music or art, it may inadvertently produce content that is similar to existing copyrighted material.

To mitigate this risk, organisations should ensure that their generative AI systems are properly trained and monitored to avoid infringing on existing intellectual property rights. They should also ensure that they have the appropriate licenses and permissions to use any existing content that is used to train the system.

Reputation Risks

Generative AI systems can produce inappropriate or offensive content, which could damage the reputation of the organization. For example, a generative AI system that is used to generate marketing material may accidentally create content that is offensive or insensitive.

To mitigate this risk, organisations should ensure that their generative AI systems are properly monitored and tested to avoid creating inappropriate or offensive content. They should also have a clear process in place for reviewing and approving any content generated by the system.

Regulation Risks

Generative AI systems can create content that violates regulations or laws, which could lead to legal consequences. For example, a generative AI system that is used to create financial reports may inadvertently produce content that violates accounting regulations.

To mitigate this risk, organisations should ensure that their generative AI systems are properly trained and monitored to comply with all relevant regulations and laws. They should also have a clear process in place for reviewing and approving any content generated by the system.

Ethical Risks

Generative AI systems can create content that is biased, discriminatory, or unethical, which could lead to public backlash and damage to the organization’s reputation. For example, a generative AI system that is used to generate job ads may inadvertently create content that is biased against certain groups of people.

To mitigate this risk, organisations should ensure that their generative AI systems are properly trained and monitored to avoid creating biased, discriminatory, or unethical content. They should also have a clear process in place for reviewing and approving any content generated by the system.

Conclusion

Generative AI is an exciting technology with many potential applications, but it also comes with risks and potential drawbacks that organisations need to be aware of. By understanding these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, organisations can ensure that they are able to take advantage of the benefits of generative AI while minimising the risks. This includes properly securing and monitoring generative AI systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and laws, and implementing clear processes for reviewing and approving content generated by the system. With these measures in place, organisations can use generative AI to automate content creation, drive innovation, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Click on the Get Consult button above to send us an enquiry on how NINTH EAST can assist in your AI journey.