How do ordinary people get started with AI?

For ordinary people looking to get started with artificial intelligence (AI), the journey can feel overwhelming due to the complexity of the field. However, there are accessible ways to begin learning about and engaging with AI:

1. Educational Resources: Start with online courses or tutorials that introduce the basics of AI and machine learning. Many websites, such as Coursera and edX, offer free or affordable courses designed for beginners.
2. Books and Articles: Read introductory books or articles on artificial intelligence. Look for materials that are designed for a general audience without a technical background.
3. Attend Workshops and Webinars: Keep an eye out for workshops, webinars, and public lectures on AI. These can often provide a good overview of the field and its current applications.
4. Hands-On Projects: Participate in AI projects or coding challenges that are beginner-friendly. Websites like Kaggle offer competitions and datasets to practice on.
5. Use AI Applications: Familiarize yourself with AI by using applications that incorporate it, such as virtual assistants, recommendation systems, and facial recognition features.
6. Community Engagement: Join AI forums or social media groups to interact with professionals and enthusiasts who can provide insights and answer questions.
7. Stay Informed: Follow AI trends through tech news platforms to understand how AI is evolving and impacting various industries.
8. Experiment with AI Tools: Try out AI-driven tools for writing, art creation, or productivity that require no technical knowledge to use.
9. Gain Basic Tech Skills: If interested in a deeper dive, learn the basics of programming, statistics, and data analysis, as these skills often underpin more advanced AI work.
10. Seek Mentorship: If possible, find a mentor who has experience in AI to guide you through the learning process.

Remember, entering the world of AI does not necessarily require a background in tech or science. Curiosity and willingness to learn are the most important assets. With the wealth of information and tools available, anyone can begin to understand and utilize AI in their everyday lives.

Here are some books and articles that offer an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) for readers without a technical background:

1. "Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction" by Tom Taulli
   This book is an excellent starting point for beginners. It focuses on explaining how AI works in society, its development over time, and its application across various industries, all in language accessible to non-technical readers.
2. "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" by Melanie Mitchell
   Melanie Mitchell breaks down complex AI concepts into understandable terms, providing insight into the workings and implications of AI technology.
3. "Machine Learning for Dummies" by John Paul Mueller and Luca Massaron
   A part of the popular "For Dummies" series, this book simplifies machine learning, a critical component of AI, making it more accessible to non-technical readers.
4. "AI for People and Business: A Framework for Better Human Experiences and Business Success" by Alex Castrounis
   This book provides a non-technical overview of AI and machine learning's impact on both individual lives and business operations.
5. "A Non-technical Introduction to Machine Learning" Chapter in Springer Protocol
   This chapter is geared towards non-technical readers interested in understanding the basics of machine learning, offering an easy-to-understand introduction.
6. "A brief introduction to artificial intelligence… for normal people" by Marc Crouch on Medium
   An article that offers a straightforward explanation of AI and its significance in today's world, tailored for individuals without a technical background.
7. "A Non-Technical Introduction to AI: Part 1" by Manu Tej on Medium
   Starting a series aimed at demystifying AI and machine learning/deep learning topics in a relatable way for people outside the tech field.
8. "5 Books to for Non-Technical Users to Better Understand AI" on Towards Data Science
   A curated list of books designed to help non-technical users better understand AI, offering introductions with minimal technical jargon.

These resources are designed to make the complex subject of AI more approachable and understandable for everyone, regardless of their background in technology.