Today, nearly every company in every industry has some form of AI integration or product. And why not? Slapping an "AI" label on a product, whether it's truly intelligent or not, still allows businesses to inflate the price tag.
This trend is nothing new. Early chatbot concepts that followed decision trees date back to the 1960s, and even then, they were called "AI." Fast forward to the introduction of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) technologies like Apple's Siri in 2011, and we have the same situation. At the time, it was called AI because it felt revolutionary, but by today's standards, we can all agree its capabilities were... well, let’s say limited.
We don't even need to look that far back. Just two years ago, the internet was flooded with memes mocking AI-generated handshake photos and screenshots of ChatGPT insisting that 2+2 equals 5. Yet, AI then was perceived as so advanced it bordered on frightening.
AI is not Always AI
"Simply put, AI is not always AI. When technology becomes so advanced that we can’t easily understand how it works, we tend to perceive it as magic (or call it AI). But what seems cutting-edge today can quickly become outdated. We label today’s machine learning technologies as "AI," but in the future, that will change. True AI will simulate intelligence, not just automate tasks," says Andrius Bartminas, Co-Founder and CEO of SUPER HOW?
You don't agree that today's AI models are only automated systems? Then what would you call a program that is capable of writing texts, but only by mimicking the style of existing authors? Or one that handles customer support, just as long as the solution can be repeated because someone already solved this exact problem for a different customer? How would you describe something that doesn’t think about scheduling an appointment on its own, but flawlessly completes the task the moment you ask?
Don’t get me wrong, automation is important and should be a part of any successful business. But calling it artificial intelligence does not do justice to AI.
AI as a Simulation
The true Web3 AI will possess the ability to problem-solve and ideate. It will engage in emotionally charged conversations with a high level of emotional intelligence and simulate genuine human interactions, complete with its own unique personality, thoughts, and actions. This advanced AI will transcend mere automation or repetitive processes. It will represent a significant leap forward in intelligent technology.
Your car ordering its own parts won't just be an automated process that follows a simplistic logic of “if broken, buy.” Instead, the AI will reason through a variety of factors: the frequency of your driving, your budget, upcoming seasonal sales, preferred brands, optimal pickup times and locations, whether you have time to handle repairs before your vacation, and who else knows what. It will consider all these elements to make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and preferences.
An AI sales assistant recognizes you and greets you by name, recalling your previous purchases and preferences. As you browse, it subtly analyzes your body language and facial expressions. If you seem intrigued by a particular item but hesitant, it initiates a conversation about it, offering additional information and suggesting complementary products based on your style. When you express concerns about price, the assistant can suggest a tailored payment plan or highlight an upcoming sale.
The AI Growth Rate
It might sound surreal right now, yet the numbers indicate that these two hypothetical situations are closer than you think. It took 45 years for a decision tree chatbot to evolve into a voice NLP, another 7 years to introduce GPTs (generative pre-trained transformers), and only 5 years to increase GPTs' estimate complexity and capability level by more than 1,500,000% (from 117 million parameters in GPT-1 to 1.8 trillion parameters in GPT-4).
The numbers don’t lie. We are seeing an exponential growth trend in AI technology creation and usage. According to the 2024 Wharton University of Pennsylvania AI Report, people who reported using generative AI at least once a week grew from 37% in 2023 to 72% in 2024. That's a 313% yearly increase!
Furthermore, the same report states that at 80% of smaller (revenue $50M to $250M) and 78% of mid-sized (revenue $250M to $2B) companies generative AI is used frequently. While 21% of small, mid-sized, and large companies already have a Chief AI Officer (CAIO).
What the Future Means for the Present
The clock is ticking for the 20% of the companies that have yet to integrate AI into their workspaces. We’re already seeing a shift in purchasing power toward younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are digital natives. The succeeding gen alpha is already called the iPad kids, and with this pace of advancement the gen Beta, born from 2025 is due to become the AI generation.
For these demographics, communicating through text is often preferred over making a phone call. They’re accustomed to a world where convenience and efficiency come first, and AI tools fit perfectly into this lifestyle. Once again, the 2024 Wharton University of Pennsylvania AI Report provides numbers that back these claims. According to it, 80% of younger individuals (ages 18-34) have integrated AI into their lives.
Soon, businesses that fail to incorporate these technologies will struggle to meet the expectations of this new wave of consumers. With their increasing spending power, Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect personalized experiences, instant responses, and seamless digital interactions. They are not impressed by traditional customer service models or lengthy wait times, they want answers now, and they prefer to get them through text-based interactions.
Final Thoughts
This shift isn't just about using AI for the sake of efficiency. It’s about adapting to the evolving preferences of generations that value digital engagement. This means that businesses that do not digitalize their CRM funnels will be left behind. The fastest way to avoid it – “hire” AI sales assistants who are also digital natives.
There are still not many tools in the market that offer truly intelligent AI, but Saigie might be what you're looking for.
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