Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among the most exciting and complex topics of our time. Although they are often considered difficult to understand, conversations like the one between my sister Lale and me show that it’s possible to explain these technologies in a simple and understandable way. Here’s our conversation – expanded and enriched with technical details – demonstrating how these technologies can transform and enhance our lives.
Getting Started: Automating Accounting with Blockchain
The discussion with my sister Lale started with a common problem: the manual work involved in accounting, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. I suggested automating these processes using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and APIs.
We talked about the possibility of using tools like Gumloop.com and Google Spreadsheet Scripts to automatically populate tables. These tools could help simplify routine accounting tasks. The idea is that Lale would no longer have to enter each transaction manually; instead, the AI would handle this task. Her job would then be to review the results – a step that could be referred to as “controlling.”
Connecting Blockchain and AI: Beyond Automation
But why stop there? I proposed taking it a step further by directly integrating blockchain technology. Through APIs like Etherscan, we can access the blockchain and analyze transactions. We could even go further and build our own blockchain explorer that also functions as an accounting tool.
This idea is based on the concept that blockchain is an immutable and transparent database that allows us to securely and traceably store transactions. By integrating this technology directly into our accounting system, we could achieve a completely new level of automation and security. Instead of processing data manually, we could use blockchain to automatically create and store entries.
Understanding AI: Not a Calculator, but a Word Generator
Lale was intrigued but also expressed some concerns. She asked why AI sometimes makes mistakes even though it is supposed to be “smart.” I explained that AI operates differently than a calculator. While a calculator always provides the exact result, AI is a “word generator” based on probabilities.
This means that AI, in any task, whether it’s writing text or analyzing a transaction, selects the next word or step based on probabilities. For example, if you ask, “What do people most often walk with?” the AI will try to find the most likely word, such as “dog” or “shoes.” But sometimes, it might choose something less obvious, like “cat.”
This way of functioning brings both advantages and challenges. On one hand, it enables creative and unpredictable results, which can be very useful in fields like art or writing. On the other hand, it can lead to errors, especially when it comes to logical and precise tasks.
Creativity Through AI: When Probabilities Matter Less
Another interesting aspect is AI’s ability to be creative. If you want AI to suggest something unusual, you could allow it to choose less likely words. This might be useful, for example, when writing a book and looking for a creative twist.
Imagine writing a sentence like “I’m walking with my cat” – it’s less likely than “dog,” but perhaps it fits perfectly in your text. This creative freedom is what distinguishes AI from simple programs like calculators and makes it a powerful tool in various creative fields.
Training AI: How It Gets Better
Lale was still unsure how an AI, despite its tendency to make mistakes, could handle complex tasks like analyzing a blockchain transaction. I explained that AI can be trained to perform specific tasks better.
Training an AI involves feeding it with specialized data and continuously providing feedback on its results. When the AI makes mistakes, you give it feedback, and it learns from it to improve next time. In our case, we could train an AI to analyze blockchain transactions. With enough training and feedback, this AI could even be offered or sold to others – a concept already used by many companies.
The Future of AI: Opportunities and Challenges
As our conversation progressed, it became clear that AI will become even more powerful and present in our daily lives in the coming years. Lale and I pondered what this means for the future. She expressed concern that AI could be trained incorrectly or used for harmful purposes.
I agreed and pointed out that there will always be people who misuse AI. Nevertheless, it is important to continue developing and utilizing this technology. The possibilities it offers are enormous – whether in automating processes, creativity, or analyzing complex data.
What Do People Walk With the Most?
For fun, I asked Lale at the end what people most often walk with. Here’s my list:
- Feet – Clearly, nothing works without them.
- Shoes – They protect your feet.
- Thoughts – We think a lot while walking.
- Dog – A faithful companion.
- Phone – For listening to music, making calls, or taking photos.
- Friend/Partner – A walk together is always nice.
- Stroller – Parents often take their babies for a walk.
- Backpack/Bag – For everything you need on the go.
- Stick/Hiking Pole – Especially on hikes.
- Camera – For the photographers among us.
Then I asked, “Is it true that we walk with our phones more often than with our partners?” We both laughed, but somehow this seems to be true these days. This question highlights how much technology has become integrated into our lives – sometimes more than we realize.
Conclusion: Blockchain and AI for Everyone
This conversation with Lale shows that even complex technologies like blockchain and AI are not only accessible to experts. With the right explanation and approach, they can be integrated into everyday life and make our lives significantly easier. The key is to use and develop these technologies thoughtfully to maximize their potential and overcome their challenges.
