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Five Common AI Myths Debunked

Prabhakar Srinivasan

Director of Technology and Co-Lead of the AI Practice , Bangalore, India

Sujith Vemishetty

Lead, Data Science , Bangalore, India

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It’s shaping the way we live, work, and interact . But its rapid rise has also created a wave of misinformation that’s distorting what AI is and what it can do.

We’re here to set the record straight and clear up some of the most common misconceptions about AI. Let’s get started.

  1. AI will replace all human jobs

One of the most popular versions of this myth comes from none other than Elon Musk, who stated ‘probably none of us will have a job.’. While his comment sparked conversation, the reality is more nuanced. Yes, AI is automating repetitive and low skill tasks, but it’s not leading to mass job extinction.

Instead, AI is creating new roles in fields like data science, AI ethics, and machine learning. It’s freeing up workers to focus on more strategic, creative, and complex tasks – areas where human judgement is irreplaceable. Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is evolving industries and creating new opportunities for growth.

  1. Only tech companies need to care about AI

The belief that AI is only relevant to tech companies is outdated. AI is reshaping industries across the board, from small businesses to global enterprises. The need to understand and leverage AI is becoming a business imperative, and organizations that resist or delay adopting AI risk falling behind.

And as mentioned earlier, AI isn’t here to replace jobs; it’s about helping them evolve. The businesses that recognize this potential aren’t confined to one sector. In fact, AI’s adaptability means that any company can harness its power, regardless of size or focus.

  1. AI is too expensive for most companies to implement

There’s a persistent belief that AI is only accessible to businesses with deep pockets, leaving smaller organizations out of the loop. While AI was once a costly investment, advances in technology have dramatically reduced its price point. Today, cloud-based solutions, open-source platforms, and AI-as-a-Service models make it possible for companies of all sizes to leverage AI without the need for hefty upfront investment.

What’s key here is that AI tools are increasingly scalable, allowing businesses to adopt AI incrementally, paying for what they use and expanding as needed. It’s not an all-or-nothing proposition anymore. Those who understand that AI can be tailored to fit their unique needs – no matter their budget – will be able to use it as a competitive advantage.

  1. AI requires advanced coding skills to use

AI is incredibly complex and advanced, and yes, building AI models from scratch does require deep technical expertise. But using AI? That’s a different story.

Many of today’s AI tools, including those in our Synechron Nexus and Synechron Nexus Plus suites, are designed specifically for ease of use, requiring no coding skills at all.

The democratization of AI is one of the key drivers of its widespread adoption. In much the same way that AI is no longer too expensive or exclusive for tech companies, it’s also no longer solely for highly technical users.

  1. AI will eventually control humanity

It’s a scenario straight out of science fiction: AI evolving beyond our control, taking over, and ultimately deciding the fate of humanity. But this dystopian vision is far from the reality of AI today. AI, at its core, is a tool – one that humans design, program, and control. It functions within strict parameters set by its creations, and it lacks any form of consciousness or free will.

Yes, AI is becoming more advanced, but it still requires human oversight to operate effectively. Ethical frameworks and regulations are constantly being developed to ensure that AI remains aligned with human values and interests. Far from taking control, AI is empowering humans to make more informed decisions and solve complex problems.

Final Thoughts

AI is transforming industries and creating new possibilities, but the myths surrounding it can cloud our understanding. It’s not here to take over jobs, run businesses, or control humanity – it’s here to enhance what we do and make innovation more accessible to everyone. As AI continues to evolve, the real opportunity lies in embracing it thoughtfully and cutting through the misinformation to see its true potential.

The Author

Rachel Anderson, Digital Lead at Synechron UK
Prabhakar Srinivasan

Director of Technology and Co-Lead of the AI Practice

Prabhakar, based in Bangalore, India, is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the field of AI, ML and Data Science. Currently the Co-Head of Synechron’s AI Practice, he and his team work on the research and development of cutting-edge Generative AI, Computer Vision, Advanced NLP, Deep Learning and Recommender Systems. Prior to joining Synechron, Prabhakar worked as a Data Scientist and Software Engineer at large enterprises including Apple, CISCO, Yahoo & Samsung. Prabhakar has a Master’s in Computer Science from DePaul University, Chicago and a Masters in Software Systems from BITS Pilani, India.

Sujith is an AI and GenAI expert with nine years of experience working across different industries and domains. His interests and experience in AI include both computer vision and NLP. Before joining Synechron, he worked in organizations including MuSigma, GWM and Jio, where he utilized AI to solve problems like 3D mesh generation, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. He currently works with LLMs and multimodal GenAI systems and agents.

Rachel Anderson, Digital Lead at Synechron UK
Sujith Vemishetty

Lead, Data Science, Bangalore Innovation

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