Generative AI

What it is

Generative AI refers to AI systems that create new content—text, images, audio, video, or code. Unlike AI that classifies or analyses existing content, generative AI produces original outputs based on patterns learned during training. ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney are all generative AI systems.

Why it matters

Generative AI is the technology behind the current AI revolution. It's why you can now have conversations with AI, generate images from text descriptions, or get help writing code. Understanding that these systems generate rather than retrieve content explains both their creative potential and their tendency to sometimes produce incorrect information.