Artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes known as machine intelligence, refers to

the ability of computers to perform human-like feats of cognition including

learning, problem-solving, perception, decision-making, and speech and
language.

Early AI systems had the ability to defeat a world chess champion, map
streets, and compose music. Thanks to more advanced algorithms, data
volumes, and computer power and storage, AI evolved and expanded to
include more sophisticated applications, such as self-driving cars, improved
fraud detection, and “personal assistants” like Siri and Alexa.

Today, researchers are using AI to improve predictions, diagnoses, and

treatments for mental illnesses. The intersection of machine learning and
computational psychiatry is rapidly creating more precise, personalized mental
health care.

Artificial Intelligence Now and In the Future

Artificial intelligence as it is used today is considered “weak AI,” because it is

generally designed to perform just one or two specific tasks as well as, and
often better than, humans. At this point, however, the controversial future of AI
research includes ideas about developing “strong AI,” or a super-intelligence,
with the potential to perform many or all cognitive tasks better than humans.
AI safety research is a priority for some scientists concerned about potential
dangers if such advanced technology gets into the wrong hands, although
others still question the possibility of ever achieving human-level strong AI.