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Star refresh · Computing · Artificial Intelligence

Humans Versus Machines

What is the Turing Test trying to find out?

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You already know robots can sense and move, and that computers learn from examples. But people and computers are not good at the same things. Each one has its own strengths.

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In ten seconds, you might remember about 20 numbers. A computer can remember hundreds more, and it never gets bored.
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Sam falls and scrapes his knee. His friend Mia feels sorry for him and gives him a hug. A computer can solve math in a flash, but it cannot feel sorry for anyone.

Some scientists wondered: could a computer ever fool a person into thinking it is human? This idea is called the Turing Test. A person asks questions and tries to guess if the answers come from a person or a computer. If the person cannot tell, the computer passes the test.

Good to know

Being fast is not the same as being wise. A computer can beat you at math, but it cannot dream up a brand new story or comfort you when you are sad. That takes a human.

Computers are fast and never get tired, but people bring creativity, empathy, and common sense that machines still do not have.