Before the AI Boom: How Web Platforms Already Knew You Better
Exploring the Early Applications of AI in Web Development
Have you ever wondered what was AI and what its capabilities were before all this AI hype? We will cover some popular use cases, where we are used to using AI’s power and break some myths!
Recommendation Systems
Ever marvel at how Netflix’s suggestions always seem to understand your mood? It’s like having a friend who knows you deeply, isn’t it? Well, that friend is an AI algorithm.
With Netflix, 80% of what you end up watching is dictated by its AI-driven recommendations. These algorithms sift through billions of hours of viewership data. The sheer volume of it is mind-boggling!
Amazon’s Shopping Assistant Similarly, Amazon credits 35% of its total sales to its recommendation engine. Think about that for a moment. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant who’s always tuned in to your needs and wants.
Chatbots
How many times have you been greeted by a chat window asking if you need help while browsing a website? Chatbots are your go-to customer service agents, and they never sleep!
Take Sephora, for instance. Need makeup advice? Sephora’s chatbot is on it, providing personalized suggestions like a seasoned beauty consultant.
Or, consider H&M’s chatbot Ada. Queries about new arrivals or return policies? Ada has you covered, answering with the speed and accuracy only an AI can offer.
Visual Recognition & AR
Remember when Snapchat filters became all the rage? Or how has Pinterest revolutionized the way you search for style? AI powers these visually captivating experiences.
Snapchat employs complex facial recognition to let you turn into anything from a puppy to a pirate. It’s like having a pocket-sized Hollywood makeup artist! 😄
Pinterest’s visual search tech allows you to snap a photo (From a mobile app) of an outfit you like and then shows you similar styles. No more endless scrolling and typing keywords!
Predictive Text
Ever noticed how Gmail completes your sentences? It’s like it’s reading your mind. But it’s actually the work of sophisticated algorithms that can predict your next words.
Beyond Gmail, even tools like Grammarly use AI to make style and tone suggestions. They’re like your personal editors, making sure your message comes across perfectly ⭐ Even now, I am using Grammarly to assist me to write this article 😄
Personalization
Wouldn’t it be amazing if everything on the web was curated just for you? Well, AI is making that dream a reality, and Spotify is leading the charge.
Spotify’s Daily Mix playlists feel eerily in tune with your musical taste, don’t they? It’s like having a DJ who knows your favourite genres and moods.
Customer Behavior Prediction
Have you ever been surprised by a website that seems to know you better than you know yourself? AI is already the future’s crystal ball.
Alibaba uses AI to predict your shopping behaviour, not just react to it. It’s like stepping into a shop where the shelves rearrange themselves to display what you most want to see.
Conclusion
Due to the remarkable capabilities of AI, many myths have sprung up suggesting that apps are spying on users or listening in on conversations. While it’s true that companies collect data on user behaviour, the seemingly “magical” predictions are actually the result of sophisticated AI algorithms and statistics.
For many people, it’s hard to accept that we’re not as unique as we think. Thus, it’s tempting to believe that our devices are eavesdropping, rather than acknowledging that AI is simply identifying patterns based on what similar users have liked or done.
Understanding these early applications of AI on the web lets us appreciate not just where we are now, but how deeply integrated AI has always been in shaping our digital experiences. It’s not just a future promise; it’s a present reality.
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