In a testament to its pervasive influence, artificial intelligence (AI) has been named the “word of the year” by Collins Dictionary for 2023. The remarkable surge in discussions revolving around whether AI will usher in revolutionary progress or catastrophic consequences propelled it to this prestigious title. According to the publisher, the usage of the term has quadrupled this year, underscoring its omnipresence in contemporary dialogues.

Collins managing director, Alex Beecroft, highlighted how AI became the focal point of conversations throughout 2023, captivating minds worldwide. He noted that AI’s rapid evolution has integrated it into daily life as seamlessly as once-revolutionary technologies like email and streaming.

This announcement coincides with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak convening a summit for global leaders, tech magnates, academics, and AI researchers. The purpose of this assembly is to deliberate on strategies to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks.

Even the realm of music has succumbed to AI’s charm. The Beatles utilized AI technology to retrieve John Lennon’s vocals from an old cassette, crafting what they claim to be their “last song,” set to release soon. However, not everyone embraces this technological marvel; Sir Cliff Richard, in a BBC interview, amusingly confused AI with “artificial insemination.”

Collins also revealed other noteworthy contenders for the word of the year. These included “Bazball,” an aggressive cricket style named after England head coach Brendon McCullum, “Deinfluencing,” a term cautioning social media followers to avoid specific products, and “Greedflation,” a practice of exploiting high inflation to artificially inflate prices for corporate gain.

As AI continues to shape our world, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity, sparking debates and innovations that will define our future. Its selection as the word of the year resonates with the profound impact AI has made on our rapidly evolving society, where algorithms and data steer innovation and transformation.