How Deep Have Machines Invaded Human Society?

Looking at all the convenience that smarter machines brought into modern life often makes it easy to overlook just how deep these programs have invaded human lives. These days, they are now in everything, practically inseparable from their users. Now, the question of how deep these machines have burrowed into human society becomes one that is almost too terrifying to answer.

The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) institute does an excellent job of explaining the very essence of machine learning on its website as well as its role in society as a whole. This is important because, despite its rather huge presence in the modern world, too many people can’t distinguish machine learning from artificial intelligence.

“Machine learning is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building,” the SAS website’s explanation reads. “Using algorithms that iteratively learn from data, machine learning allows computers to find hidden insights without being explicitly programmed where to look.”

Aside from the more general subject of machine learning, companies are now starting to focus on its sub-category called “deep learning,” which deals with more complex processes that ultimately lead to the creation of smarter AI. This is where machine learning has recently started taking over the lives of users.

As Futurism notes, there are many potential applications for machine learning, but some fields benefit more from it than others. Right now, some of the most obvious include smartphone applications, connected home services, cyber security, and of course, AI.

However, there is an increase in the application of deep learning among various other fields that are showing tremendous promise, including medicine, retail, and transportation. Through its machine learning division, Microsoft is actually cooperating with doctors in order to cure blindness, and that’s just niche segment in the entirety of the industry.

So, how deep have machines invaded human society? In a way, human society is now intrinsically tied to machine learning. Without it, the modern world would no longer be able to function as effectively or at all.