The History of AI: Part 3

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the continually evolving AI technology we have come to currently know and use, there have been various forms of evolution. From mechanical automatons, to artificial brains, to chatbots. It’s evident that the new, modern generation of AI has gotten better, faster, and stronger at a very rapid and astonishing rate. Now, in 2025, we’re at a point in time in which AI has the ability to generate videos based on prompts, and create music, storylines, books, podcasts, and pieces of art that look human-made all within seconds. According to the National Institutes of Health, signals from AI systems function at almost the speed of light. This is much faster than the human brain that functions with an average speed of 120 m/s, at most. 

Possible Risks with Modern AI Features

With AI advancing so fast, anyone can do anything with almost no rules, and that includes misusing features such as AI generated voice memos that only require a clip of a person’s voice; or a video that only requires a photo or clip of that person. Compared to the use of voice cloning from 2019 till now, AI created voices have gotten more realistic. With these advancements, we must ask: Is it possible that we may reach a point in which voice memos can’t be easily distinguished between human and AI?

Many agree that technology that has the ability to recreate human voices and replicate human characters poses implications. As of October 2024, the success rate of voice scams has increased to 77%, leading to stolen credentials, data loss and more. The implications of AI generated video scams, which allows you to upload a video clip of someone, create an avatar of that person, and manipulate the script of that person to make that “person” say anything you want. We used to think that AI generated videos would never be able to mimic human emotions, and if so, there would be an uncanny valley feeling. But now, AI character generated videos are not only able to convey human emotions, but complex emotions now too.

character.ai

A popular app called character.ai thrives on their motto of “AI that feels alive.” The many features on this app allow users to chat with millions of AI characters including celebrities. There’s a feature that allows users to call these characters and have conversations with them for hours. Many argue that this app presents some concern, due to the risk of people gaining attachments with these AI “celebrities" rather than using this app unseriously. 

Even moreso, the most popular AI chatbot on character.ai with over 170 million chats, is a character called psychologist; a character that will pretend to be your psychologist and give you real advice. While many can, and will, find this character helpful, there is no doubt that many find the existence of this feature uncanny. One question is worth considering: Does AI have the potential to create future generations that are less equipped with in-person social and communication skills?

The Next Phases of AI Evolution

There are seven stages of AI; with stage 1 being the infancy of AI, to stage 7 of the AI singularity, also known as the final stage. Currently, we are at stage 4: AI as a thinker, where most AI technology has unlocked the ability to mimic human capacity for thinking and reasoning. While it sounds crazy, it's true, AI now has the power to solve captcha tests and recently passed The Turing Test (which is actually insane!)

We’re very close to stage 5: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). “An AGI system would be capable of understanding, learning, adapting, and implementing knowledge across a broad range of tasks, just like a human. It would possess self-awareness, consciousness, and the ability to understand and navigate the world.” Imagine living in a world in which robots operate similarly to humans not only physically, but also mentally; I’d rather not!

It’s suggested that every invention after AGI will be obsolete, due to AGI being every level above human intelligence. Let’s hope we don’t go beyond stage 5, because stage 6: Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) will be able to surpass human cognitive skills. ASI could mean that we can potentially be looking at a timeframe in which automation replaces human labor. As a result, this could lead to stage 7 which intensely advocates against technological growth that becomes uncontrollable and irreversible.

The Next Steps

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, has raised concern over the dangers that AI may have on society. Now, as far as AI taking over the world, I don’t think we need to look that far into it at the moment, but if the creator of AI is warning consumers about his own invention, then that may be something worth considering. Aside from AI becoming too powerful, if AI is left unchecked, it poses risks of sufficient damage and harm.

ChatGPT is the fastest-growing consumer product in history and with that being said, there must be more rules, regulations, and restrictions set in place to ensure proper and safe use of AI technology.

The History of AI: Part 2

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the multiplex ideas of robots and technology would upspring the AI that we have come to know and use today. But, before we can fully understand just how AI has improved over many decades, we must continue analyzing the groundwork that has enabled AI to develop to where it’s at now.

The rapid growth of technological advancements in the area of AI would continue to thrive in the timeframe of the 1950’s-60’s. This period sparked creation, where scientists focused on programming languages, and when a plethora of books and movies explored deeper ideas of self-functioning robots. The concept of AI quickly became mainstream, with many inventors seeking to create the “next best thing”.

Creations in the late 1950’s-60’s:

• In 1958, computer scientist John McCarthy created List Processing (LISP), the first programming language for AI research, which is still used today.

• In 1961, The first industrial robot named “Unimate" started working at a General Motors in New Jersey, responsible for transporting die casings and welding parts on cars (which was said to be too dangerous for humans to do).

• In 1965, Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg created the first “Expert System” which was a form of AI designed to replicate the thinking and decision-making abilities of human experts.

The Invention of Chatbots:

If you’ve ever seen the movie Iron Man (best Avenger by the way), then you're quite familiar with Tony Stark’s AI assistant named Jarvis. Stark’s virtual personal assistant may have seemed like a fairly new idea, when in reality, the concept of chatbots began in the 1960’s. In 1966, computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum created the first “chatterbot” (later shortened to chatbot), ELIZA; a program that imitated a therapist. ELIZA used Natural Language Processing (NLP), and tricked users into thinking they were conversing with a human being, rather than a chatterbot. How astonished would you be to find out that your online therapist is in fact not a human being, but rather a computer system?

After ELIZA, there were other successful Bots that were made including: PARRY in 1972, RACTER in 1983 and then JABBERWACKY in 2005. All bots were created for the purpose of mimicking human interaction.

AI in the 1970’s:

The 1970’s was an era filled with similar improvements, including the world's first full-scale anthropomorphic robot, called Wabot-1; created by a Japanese professor named Ichiro Kato in 1970. This robot consisted of a limb-control system, a vision system, and a conversation system, the closest a robot could come to achieving full human function. By the late 1970’s, James L. Adams created “The Stanford Cart” which became one of the first examples of an autonomous vehicle; which eventually was able to successfully navigate a room full of chairs without human interference.

Challenges with Funding for AI:

By the mid-1960s, AI research in the United States was being funded primarily by the Department of Defense. However, by the 1970’s, the U.S. government began to show little interest in continuing to fund AI research. Fortunately, in 1979, The American Association of Artificial Intelligence which is now known as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) was founded. This nonprofit was created to assist in advancing the development of AI, which also produced a means of funding.

Reflecting on the mid and mid-late 1900’s, it’s clear that these time periods laid the essential groundwork for AI’s significant evolution in the years that followed. There’s more to be discussed about the enthralling topic of AI, so stay tuned for part three of this AI series!

Using Your Writing Skills to Start a Freelance Journey

Amber Ramsey, Guest Writer

Note: The following story was written by Guest Writer, Amber Ramsey, of Learn It For Life. 

Embarking on a freelance writing career as a college student or recent graduate offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. The freedom to choose projects and the potential for financial independence make it an attractive path. However, success requires more than just a passion for writing; it demands strategic planning and the right tools. By focusing on niche markets, leveraging technology, and understanding financial management, you can build a sustainable career. This guide aims to equip you with the insights needed to thrive in the competitive world of freelance writing.

Unlock Niche Markets in Freelance Writing

In the bustling world of freelance writing, carving out a niche can be your ticket to standing out from the crowd. By focusing on specialized markets, you can position yourself as an expert in a particular field, which not only enhances your credibility but also attracts clients seeking specific expertise. For instance, freelancers who specialize in niche areas often command higher rates, with some earning up to 30% more than their generalist counterparts.  

Boosting Your Freelance Writing with Technology

In freelance writing, technology is pivotal in enhancing both productivity and quality. Utilizing tools like grammar checkers ensures your writing is polished and error-free, which is crucial for maintaining a professional standard. Additionally, project management apps help you organize tasks and deadlines, allowing you to juggle multiple assignments efficiently. These technological aids streamline your workflow and free up time for creativity and research, essential components of compelling writing.  

Discover Opportunities in Ghostwriting

As a college student or recent graduate, venturing into ghostwriting can be a lucrative freelance opportunity, especially for those who excel in writing but lack a platform. Ghostwriting involves crafting content for authors, executives, and influencers who may not have the time or expertise to write themselves, allowing you to leverage your skills while gaining valuable experience. This field is particularly appealing because it offers flexibility and the chance to work with diverse clients, from business leaders to social media personalities.  

Streamline Your Payment Process with Efficient Invoicing

Establishing a robust invoicing system is crucial to ensure timely payments for your freelance writing work. Utilizing an online invoice maker can significantly simplify this process by offering pre-designed templates that you can customize with your text, images, and logo. This enhances the professionalism of your invoices and saves you time. Additionally, selecting a tool that allows you to download invoices in your preferred format ensures flexibility and convenience.  

Master Financial Management as a Student Freelancer

Navigating the financial landscape as a student freelancer requires strategic planning, especially when dealing with fluctuating income. It’s crucial to establish a budget that accommodates the unpredictability of freelance earnings, ensuring you allocate funds for essential expenses and savings. Understanding your tax obligations is equally important, as freelancers must often set aside a portion of their income for taxes, which can be around 15.3% for self-employment tax in the U.S. Utilizing tools like spreadsheets or budgeting apps can help track income and expenses, providing a clearer picture of your financial health.  

Navigate Freelance Writing Rates

To thrive as a freelance writer, it’s crucial to grasp the going rates for various writing services by examining industry benchmarks and what your competitors charge. Understanding these rates can help you set competitive prices that attract clients while ensuring fair compensation for your work. For instance, blog posts might range from $50 to $500 depending on length and expertise, while technical writing could command higher fees due to its specialized nature.  

Get Involved in SEO Writing 

Diving into the world of freelance writing, you can find numerous examples of individuals who have successfully harnessed the power of SEO to elevate their careers. Take, for instance, a writer who started as a college student and quickly became a sought-after writer by mastering SEO techniques, leading to a 200% increase in their client base within a year. Similarly, another writer leveraged their understanding of keyword optimization to secure long-term contracts with major companies, showcasing the potential of SEO skills in attracting high-profile clients.  

Freelance writing is not just a career choice; it’s a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Exploring different niches and embracing technological advancements will allow you to grow professionally and personally. The path may be challenging, but you can create a fulfilling and prosperous career with dedication and strategic planning. Whether you are drawn to ghostwriting, SEO, or any other specialty, the freelance world is rich with possibilities to explore.

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The History of AI: Part 1

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Although it may seem as if artificial intelligence (AI) is a new form of technology, it has actually been proactively developing for many decades; with the earliest groundwork dating back to the early 1900s. It’s quite compelling because learning about the history of robots, technology, and AI is important in understanding where AI is at now, and what it may be like in the future. 

The History of Robots and AI

The overall idea of a machine being able to function on its own is ancient. It dates back thousands of years when inventors first made mechanical automatons (a machine that can move by itself). Among the earliest references of an automaton is of a wooden model of a pigeon constructed by a Greek friend of the philosopher Plato around 400 BCE. Many years later, one of the most famous automatons of a mechanical robotic knight would be created by Leonardo da Vinci around the late 15th century. Knowing this information allows us to better grasp the technological advancements and changes of modern day AI.

The groundwork for modern day AI concepts centered around the idea of artificial humans which came into fruition in the early 1900’s. Many expert scientists began forming curiosities as if it was possible to create an artificial brain. This brought on a new variety of different ideas. 

Robot Facts

• In 1921, Czech playwright Karel Čapek released a science fiction play called Rossum's Universal Robots which introduced the idea of artificial people, which he named robots. This was the first known use of the word “robots.”

• In 1929, Japanese professor Makoto Nishimura built the first Japanese robot, named Gakutensoku which included features such as changing its facial expressions and moving its head and hands.

The Early Stages of AI

By the 1950s, the idea of AI was beginning to become more realistic. Mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, published his work, Computer Machinery and Intelligence which eventually became The Turing Test. It was then used by experts to measure computer intelligence. To this day, the Turing Test is still heavily renowned in the field of AI work in terms of measuring the success of current AI systems. By the mid 1950s, the term “artificial intelligence” was coined and gained popularity. 

1950s Facts

• In 1952, a computer scientist named Arthur Samuel developed a program to play checkers, which was the first machine to ever learn the game independently.

• 1955: John McCarthy held a workshop at Dartmouth on “artificial intelligence” which is the first use of the word, and how it came into popular usage.

The development of AI technology is a fascinating area of topic to be further discussed; and it truly unlocks questions about how such possible advancements can even exist. However, one thing is for certain,  AI is rapidly growing with every day that passes by. Stay tuned for part two of this AI series!

Second Annual Innovation Center Challenge

Bailey Gent, Student Director of Innovation Center, and Paul Hunter, CEO of Repurpose and winner of last year’s challenge //Frances Meng-Frecker

By: Natalia Zreliak, Co-Editor-In-Chief

Yesterday the Anderson College of Business held its launch party for the 2018 Innovation Challenge. The event was in the Innovation Center on the third floor of Clarke Hall from 5:00pm-7:00p,  allowing community members to come and learn more about the challenge and celebrate the launch. In attendance were also some of the returning mentors from last year’s challenge, ranging from professors to alumni along with a member of last year’s winning team, Paul Hunter from Repurpose, to offer advice to those interested in these year’s challenge.

The Innovation Center was created in 2016 with the mission to “innovate business education by bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and the community to design solutions for the curriculum and the world” according to their website. The Innovation center really wants to stress that anyone can participate in the challenge, you do not have to have a business background. The top three teams will receive $10,000, $5,000, and $1,000 along with a co-working space in the Innovation Center and the ability to utilize the Alumni Matrix. This year they will also be offering a prize to anyone who has a brand new idea but is in the beginning stages of developing it.

Each team must have at least one student but the Innovation Challenge is open to all students, faculty and staff. The challenge itself is to build an innovative business that is desirable, feasible, and viable. Questions that will be asked of the ideas include: Does the world need it? Can it be done with the tools the groups have and are asking for? Lastly, will people actually pay for it? The teams will be judged on these three criteria along with their presentation.

“This is a business competition, we use the pitches as a metric to evaluate but the reality is this is about you starting and running a business that becomes a part of the community. This is where the stewardship mission comes into play” said Ken Sagendorf, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Business and Economics at Regis. Eighty percent of the judging is done by the panel of judges selected from areas all across the business sector and 20% of the judging is done by those in attendance of the final pitches.

“I am excited about the innovation challenge to see the process for the different teams and the ways that they develop over the year of mentoring, learning, and growing. I’m really just excited for them to take something and build on their education in a way that will be really feasible and tangible going forward after graduation,” said Bailey Gent, a Senior at Regis and this years Student Co-Director for the Innovation Challenge.

Important dates coming up:

Monday, November 12: Open House in the Innovation Incubator from 5:00-7:00 pm
Monday, November 26: Open House in the Innovation Incubator from 5:00-7:00 pm
Monday, December 10 through Wednesday, December 12: Semi-Final Pitches, 15 minute slots between 6:00-8:00pm.

To learn more about the Innovation challenge you can contact them on their website and join their mailing list or follow them on Twitter and Instagram @RegisInnovation or on Facebook as RegisInnovation. Or email them at innovation@regis.edu or contact the co-directors Bailey Gent at bgent@regis.edu and Zach Pearson at zpearson@regis.edu.

TAGS: Regis, Regis University, Anderson College of Business, Innovation Center, Innovation Challenge, 2018 Innovation Challenge, Alumni Matrix, Ken Sagendorf, College of Business and Economics, Bailey Gent, Jesuit, Business, Natalia Zreliak