An in-Depth Exploration of Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Contemporary Data Challenges; Differences Between Human and Machine Learning

Machine learning and artificial intelligence produce algorithms that appear to be able to make "intelligent" decisions similar to those of humans but function differently from human thinking. To make decisions based on machine suggestions, humans should be able to understand the background of these suggestions. However, since humans are oriented to understand human intelligence, it is not yet fully clear whether humans can truly understand the "thinking" generated by machine learning, or whether they merely transfer human-like cognitive processes to machines. In addition, media representations of artificial intelligence show higher capabilities and greater human likeness than they currently have. In our daily lives, we increasingly encounter assistance systems that are designed to facilitate human tasks and decisions based on intelligent algorithms. These algorithms are predominantly based on machine learning technologies, which make it possible to discover previously unknown correlations and patterns by analyzing large amounts of data. One example is the machine analysis of thousands of X-ray images of sick and healthy people. This requires identifying the patterns by which images labeled as "healthy" can be distinguished from those labeled as "sick" and to find an algorithm that identifies the latter. In the meantime, "trained" algorithms created in this way are used in various fields of application, not only for medical diagnoses but also in the pre-selection of applicants for a job advertisement or in communication with the help of voice assistants. These voice assistants are enabled by intelligent algorithms to offer internet services through short commands. Harald Lesch, referring to his book Unpredictable, written together with Thomas Schwarz, says the development of artificial intelligence can be compared to bringing aliens to Earth. With machine learning, a previously unknown form of non-human intelligence has been created. This chapter discusses whether forms of artificial intelligence, as they are currently being publicly discussed, differ substantially from human thinking. Furthermore, it will be discussed to what extent humans can comprehend the functioning of artificial intelligence that has been created through machine learning when interacting with them. Finally, the risks and opportunities will be weighed and discussed..