Did you know that your brain can run on about 20 watts of power while modern AI systems can require enormous amounts of electricity just to complete a task? That comparison really changed the way I think about artificial intelligence and digital technology. In class, we talked about how people often compare AI and artificial neural networks to the human brain, but the reality is that they work very differently. One thing that stood out to me was learning that neurons are chemical, not electronic. Human brains send signals slowly compared to computers, yet our brains are still having great efficiency and are easily capable of making complicated decisions. AI systems rely on GPUs and massive amounts of processing power, while the brain can constantly adapt and learn using networks of neurons and synapses. Even though artificial neural networks are inspired by biology, they do not truly function like biological neurons.

I also found it interesting that the brain is always changing based on experiences and the environment around us. The class discussed how neurons connect to thousands of other neurons and how those connections influence decisions, emotions, and learning. However, AI depends on training data and programmed systems which can process information quickly, but it lacks human common sense, emotions, and social understanding. Many people assume AI is becoming identical to human intelligence, but after this class I think that comparison is oversimplified. AI is powerful, but it still cannot fully replicate human thinking, creativity, or emotional reasoning. Understanding those differences is important because society is increasingly relying on digital systems for communication, education, and decision-making. As someone studying marine biology, I can also see how AI can help researchers analyze large amounts of environmental data or track marine animals, but it still depends on human interpretation and ethical decisions. This class helped me realize that digital technology is useful, but it also has limitations that people should carefully examine instead of trusting without fully understanding.