The world is currently witnessing a significant phenomenon aptly described as the democratization of Generative AI. This is one of the six great democratizations brought about by technology: electricity, infrastructure, the internet, smartphones, online working and learning, and Generative AI. Generative AI will be as transformational and powerful as the introduction of electricity, which began over a hundred years ago.
These were some of the key remarks made by Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Fellow of the Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, and Executive Director of the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII), in a talk he delivered at the Academy of Science Meeting on November 6, 2023. In his enlightening talk titled “The Democratization of Generative AI – Generative AI 101 – A Hands-On Demonstration,” Prof. Worsak provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution of AI, drawing parallels between AI and electricity as famously noted by Dr. Andrew Ng, who described AI as the new electricity. He emphasized the transformative impact AI has had, akin to how electricity revolutionized industries and daily life.
Prof. Worsak delineated the transition from traditional AI, typically utilized by researchers and organizations for tasks like email spam filtering, call center automation, and online transactions, to the more advanced Generative AI. This newer form of AI, he explained, is user-centric, designed for content creation by general consumers. Unlike its predecessor, Generative AI facilitates the creation of new texts, images, sounds, and videos, making it a tool not just for specialists but for everyday users.
Illustrating the capabilities of Generative AI, Prof. Worsak demonstrated live how platforms like ChatGPT-4 can generate text based on simple instructions or prompts given by users. He also showcased the use of Midjourney, a popular platform for creating diverse images, to highlight how users can bring their imagination to life through AI. He emphasized that Midjourney allows subscribed users to legally own the images they generate, offering creative and legal control. This innovation enables researchers and authors to create their own illustrations for technical journal papers, bypassing the need for costly licensed images.
A key point of his presentation was the democratization of Generative AI. Prof. Worsak stressed that anyone, regardless of their knowledge of AI, can easily begin to utilize these tools. This democratization of AI technology signifies a major leap from traditional AI’s organizational focus to Generative AI’s consumer-oriented applications. The take-home message of his lecture was clear: Generative AI is not just an advancement for the tech-savvy but a tool for all, marking a new era in the accessibility and application of AI technology.
“For those who have never experienced Generative AI, let us get started and take the first step towards a new future,” Professor Worsak suggested as he concluded his lecture.
This lecture, which was recorded by the Royal Society of Thailand, has been made available as a public service educational resource for the general public. Watch here (in Thai): https://youtu.be/OzwCa1T2GY4
