AI Trends to Watch in 2024
The year 2024 saw artificial intelligence making significant strides, playing a pivotal role in Nobel Prize-winning chemistry advancements while also inundating the internet with an influx of low-quality, AI-generated content. This phenomenon included peculiar creations such as AI-generated images of "Shrimp Jesus," reflecting a trend of using AI in unexpected contexts.
Moreover, the year was marked by a noticeable increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a trend partially fueled by the energy-demanding nature of AI technologies. This pattern prompted discussions on the environmental toll of AI, with experts questioning how these trends will evolve in the upcoming year.
The Rise of AI Agents and Energy Efficiency
As we anticipate the developments in AI for 2025, a few trends are almost certain to shape the landscape. One significant focus area involves AI agents—model systems designed to perform tasks independently rather than just engaging in conversation. Companies are keenly working on these agents, raising pertinent privacy concerns about data usage and user consent in exchange for time-saving technologies.
Simultaneously, the industry is turning its attention towards developing more efficient AI models. Small language models are gaining prominence as their performance demands less computational power, aligning with the need to create faster, more energy-efficient AI systems.
Potentials in Defense and Global Semiconductor Race
Looking beyond the evident trends, some AI companies—historically averse to defense and national security—might find this year tempting enough to pursue contracts from the Pentagon. Furthermore, geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s stance on China, could intensify the global competition for semiconductor supremacy.
Controversial Predictions on AI Relationships
The forthcoming years may also witness contentious developments in AI-driven personal interactions. There is ongoing debate over whether AI will lead to intimate relationships with chatbots, the emergence of "AI throuples," or even emotionally charged AI relationship breakdowns.
To delve deeper into these divisive predictions and explore insights that didn't make the prediction list, a LinkedIn Live event is scheduled for Thursday, January 16. In this session, discussions will feature contributions from noted personalities Will Douglas Heaven and Charlotte Jee, providing an engaging platform to discuss these AI forecasts.