Your Digital Sidekick: How AI Helps You Every Day

Ever feel like your devices just get you? Like they know what you want to watch, or even help you take the perfect picture? A lot of that magic comes from AI, or Artificial Intelligence. It might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but guess what? You probably use AI every single day without even knowing it, making your life easier and more fun.

Let's look at three big ways AI is working behind the scenes:

1. Your Favorite Shows and Songs Know You.

When you open apps like Netflix or Spotify, their systems watch what you watch, listen to what you listen to, and see what you click on. Then, they use that information to guess what you'll love next. It's like having a personal DJ or movie expert who learns just what you like!

Here at RHPL, we offer tons of digital entertainment through services like Hoopla, Libby, and Kanopy. While AI can help you discover new favorites there, our friendly librarians are also here to give you personalized recommendations.

2. Your Email Inbox Stays Clean (Kinda.)

Your email inbox can sometimes feel overwhelming, right? Full of important messages, but also sneaky spam trying to trick you, or just plain junk mail. Luckily, AI is here to help. It works by learning what real emails look like and what suspicious messages look like. It's constantly learning new tricks to keep your inbox safe and clean. And those quick "Smart Reply" options you sometimes see? Yep, AI helps write those too, saving you time.

Worried about online safety or just want to get better at managing your digital life? RHPL offers tech assistance appointments, basic technology help events, and online resources to help you.

3. Your Phone Camera is Smart!

Remember the old days when you had to be a photography expert to take a good picture? Not anymore! Your smartphone camera has a superpower: AI. It analyzes the scene – is it a sunny day? A dimly lit room? A cute pet? – and adjusts everything from brightness to focus. It can even make the background beautifully blurry in "Portrait Mode" to make your subject really stand out. It's like having a professional photographer right there to assist you.

Want to take your phone photography to the next level? Learn how through a Gale Course (see RHPL’s databases - https://www.rhpl.org/research-databases ) or search out catalog for a great book. You can even check out our Innovative Items Collection for a Crystal Ball Photography Kit to try!

The world of AI is growing fast, and your public library is here to help you understand it. We believe technology should empower everyone! From free Wi-Fi and computers to online learning platforms and one-on-one tech help, RHPL is your go-to place for exploring new technologies like AI. We also have books and resources on AI for all ages, whether you're just curious or want to dive deep. Ready to explore the magic of AI, or just want to feel more comfortable with technology? Visit us at the Rochester Hills Public Library! 

What are your thoughts on AI? Share your experiences or questions on our social media pages or tag us on your social media using @rochesterhillspl. We'd love to hear from you!

Check out RHPL’s recommendations inspired by this article.

Today’s blog post was written by Holly Clarke, Adult Services Librarian at RHPL.