Cut Through the Noise: What ‘AI’ Actually Refers To

What is AI? Artificial intelligence explained in practical, no-jargon terms (narrow vs general AI). Cut through hype and confusion around AI vs automation, AI vs machine learning, and human-level general artificial intelligence. Understand exactly what people mean by “AI” so you can make smarter decisions, spot marketing spin, and apply AI for beginners in real life.

What You'll Learn:

• Pinpoint the three different things people actually mean when they say “AI” (and why mixing them up causes confusion).
• Clearly distinguish narrow or applied AI from still-hypothetical general / human-level AI using simple, memorable analogies.
• Tell the difference between true AI systems and plain old automation or data analytics that’s just been rebranded as “AI.”
• Understand how AI vs machine learning vs automation fit together so you can ask sharper questions of vendors, leaders, and the media.
• Spot common AI myths and hype tactics in news stories, pitches, and workplace conversations—and quickly reality-check them.
• Identify one real situation in your work or life where this understanding of AI changes how you’d evaluate a tool or decision.
• Write down and organize the key concepts from the episode so the ideas stick and are easy to explain to others.
• Choose one small, concrete action you’ll take this week to apply what you learned about understanding AI in your own context.