Ways to Think About Machine Learning

This is a great article by Ben Evans, a strategist for a16z.

How does one cut through the hype surrounding AI and figure out how it can actually be used to solve practical problems? For one thing, switch from speaking in highly general terms (I'm guilty of this myself), like saying “Data is the new oil”.

Instead, think of what the technology can actually do, like automating things that previously could not be automated. For example, the same technology that has been used to identify cat pictures on the internet can also be used to identify wrinkled fabric on an assembly line — a task that was previously only doable by a human.

He goes on to create a parallel between relational databases in the 70's and 80's to artificial intelligence and machine learning today. It's about a ten-minute read that is well worth the time spent.