So, what actually is AI?

After looking at all of these things, I don't think AI should simply be viewed as a piece of software.

There are algorithms, but behind those algorithms there is also data. Behind the data there are people. Behind those people there are companies, infrastructure, money, laws and society.

People → Data → Labour → Algorithms → Models → Companies → Users → Society

Everything is connected.

The important thing is that we should not blindly accept the word "AI" and assume that something is intelligent simply because it produces an impressive result.

At the same time, we should also not underestimate what these systems are capable of.

Maybe the real discussion is not whether AI is intelligent or not.

Maybe the real question is:

What are we actually building when we build systems that can imitate more and more of the things humans do?

And more importantly:

What are we willing to give up in exchange for the convenience and power these systems provide?