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9 May 2025

The Evolution and Influence of Artificial Intelligence in the Last Decade

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in nearly every sector,

influencing how individuals interact with technology and shaping the trajectory of

societal development. Over the past decade, AI has evolved from a research-intensive

domain focused on machine learning and rule-based systems to an expansive field

characterized by deep learning, neural networks, and large-scale generative models. This

evolution has been catalyzed by the availability of large datasets, increased computational

power, and algorithmic breakthroughs. AI's integration into areas such as healthcare,

education, security, and art demonstrate its ubiquitous role in modern life. Its trajectory

reflects a combination of scientific ambition and practical adaptation (Bubeck et al. 2).

One of the most notable milestones in AI's evolution is the refinement of deep learning,

especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs),

which have facilitated significant advancements in image recognition, speech processing,

and language modeling. These methods have enabled AI systems to outperform

traditional algorithms in various benchmarks, fostering a renaissance in AI research and

deployment. While deep learning methods date back decades, it is their performance on

massive datasets—enabled by cloud computing—that has pushed them into the

mainstream (Brown et al. 151).

processing (NLP), leading to the development of language models like BERT, GPT-3,

and most recently, GPT-4. These models utilize self-attention mechanisms to achieve

superior understanding and generation of human language. Transformers have enabled

unprecedented capabilities, including summarization, translation, question answering,

and even content creation. The shift from rule-based NLP systems to generative, context-

aware architectures signifies AI’s increasing capacity to emulate and augment human

cognition (Brown et al. 159).

Despite their capabilities, large transformer models face limitations, especially when

encountering temporal or domain-specific shifts. As shown in studies such as that by

Kmetty et al., these models may suffer from drift in classification reliability over time,

particularly when applied outside the contexts for which they were trained. Addressing

these shortcomings requires the development of adaptive models capable of real-time

learning and generalization across domains. The maintenance of accuracy over time and

across tasks remains a key concern for operationalizing AI in dynamic environments

(Kmetty et al. 5).

Parallel to the rise of transformers is the emergence of multimodal learning, wherein AI

models process and integrate data from multiple sources, including text, audio, video, and

sensor data. Multimodal systems mimic the human capacity to synthesize information

across sensory modalities, improving context awareness and decision-making. Gao et al.

describe how multimodal transformers have broadened AI’s application scope in fields

such as robotics, healthcare diagnostics, and virtual assistants. These models promise
richer interactions and deeper understanding between machines and their environments

(Gao et al. 3).

Generative AI models, including diffusion-based image generators like DALL·E 2 and

Stable Diffusion, have catalyzed new modes of artistic expression and design. These tools

generate novel images, videos, or even 3D structures from textual prompts,

democratizing creativity and challenging traditional conceptions of authorship. Ramesh et

al. illustrate how these models have rapidly gained popularity among artists, designers,

and content creators, spawning new industries and applications (“Diffusion Models in

Vision: A Survey”). Yet, this advancement also raises philosophical and legal questions

regarding intellectual property and the boundary between human and machine-generated

content.

Healthcare has become a fertile ground for AI innovation, driven by the potential to

enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatments, and optimize clinical workflows. AI

systems can now analyze medical images, predict disease progression, and even assist in

drug discovery. According to a recent review by Chui et al., the integration of AI into

healthcare has led to reduced diagnostic errors and improved patient outcomes in

domains such as oncology, cardiology, and mental health. However, concerns persist

regarding data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and clinical validation (Chui et al. 6).

As AI technologies are increasingly embedded in systems that affect human welfare,

ethical concerns around fairness, accountability, and transparency have grown. Scholars

like Levy et al. have documented instances of algorithmic bias, where AI models exhibit

discriminatory behavior due to biased training data or flawed design. These biases can
have real-world consequences, particularly in sensitive applications such as hiring, credit

scoring, and law enforcement. Consequently, there is a strong push toward explainable

AI, fairness audits, and regulatory oversight to ensure responsible use of these

technologies (Levy et al. 880).

On the regulatory front, the European Union’s AI Act represents one of the most

comprehensive attempts to govern AI usage based on risk assessments. Floridi et al.

highlight how this legislation proposes tiered regulation according to an AI system’s

potential to cause harm. This framework seeks to balance innovation with safety, setting

global precedents for AI ethics and governance. While still under debate, such regulatory

structures will likely shape the development and deployment of AI technologies for years

to come (Novelli et al.).

AI’s implications for labor and employment remain a subject of intense debate.

Automation technologies threaten to displace certain categories of work, particularly

those involving repetitive or rule-based tasks. At the same time, new roles requiring

advanced digital skills are emerging, leading to a polarization in the job market.

According to Management Studies’ Future of Work research, AI could automate up to

30% of work hours globally by 2030, with varying impacts depending on geography and

sector. Reskilling and lifelong learning are thus essential to ensure equitable transitions in

the workforce (Sarala et al.).

In environmental sciences, AI is increasingly used to model and combat climate change.

Machine learning techniques help predict extreme weather events, optimize energy usage,

and monitor deforestation and pollution. Satellite data, when combined with AI, can track
carbon emissions and guide conservation efforts. Projects integrating AI for sustainability

underscore its potential to align technological advancement with ecological

responsibility, although the environmental footprint of large AI models—particularly

energy usage—remains a challenge (Brown et al. 165).

The educational sector is also undergoing a transformation fueled by AI. Intelligent

tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, and AI-driven analytics are being used to

tailor instruction to individual students’ needs. Khosravi et al. show that these systems

can significantly enhance learning outcomes, particularly in subjects such as mathematics

and language learning. However, overreliance on AI may reduce student-teacher

interaction and exacerbate digital inequalities, necessitating balanced approaches to

technology integration in classrooms (Khosravi et al. 100122).

AI’s role in augmenting human capabilities—cognitive augmentation—is garnering

increasing attention. This includes tools that enhance memory, support decision-making,

and offer real-time language translation. In professional settings, AI co-pilots and virtual

assistants streamline complex tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity and strategy.

Such developments challenge traditional notions of intelligence and agency, suggesting a

future where human and artificial cognition operate in tandem (Gao et al. 5).

Research is gradually advancing toward the elusive goal of artificial general intelligence

(AGI)—machines with the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a

wide range of tasks, akin to human intelligence. Although current systems remain narrow

and task-specific, experiments with GPT-4 and similar models exhibit early signs of

generalized reasoning and self-reflection (Bubeck et al. 8). AGI research raises profound
ethical and philosophical questions, including those about consciousness, control, and

coexistence with artificial entities.

In conclusion, the past decade has witnessed extraordinary advances in AI, with

implications that span technical, social, and ethical dimensions. From deep learning

breakthroughs to generative creativity and cognitive augmentation, AI is reshaping the

boundaries of what machines—and humans—can achieve. However, these benefits must

be weighed against risks of bias, inequality, and misuse. As the AI landscape continues to

evolve, a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is essential to steer this powerful

technology toward equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Brown, T. et al. "Advances in Transformer Architectures for NLP." Journal of AI

Research, vol. 74, 2023, pp. 151–176. www.jair.org/index.php/jair/article/view/13459.

Bubeck, S., et al. “Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence: Early Experiments with

GPT-4.” arXiv preprint, arXiv:2303.12712, 2023. arxiv.org/abs/2303.12712.

Gao, P., et al. “Multimodal Transformers: A Survey.” IEEE Transactions on Pattern

Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 2023. doi.org/10.1109/TPAMI.2023.3243896.

Khosravi, H., et al. “AI in Education: A Systematic Review.” Computers & Education:

Artificial Intelligence, vol. 4, 2023, 100122. doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100122.

Kmetty, Z., Kollányi, B., & Boros, K. “Boosting Classification Reliability of NLP

Transformer Models in the Long Run.” SN Computer Science, vol. 6, no.1, Dec. 2024.

doi.org/10.1007/s42979-024-03553-2.

Levy, K., et al. “Algorithmic Bias in Practice: A Meta Review.” AI & Society, vol. 38,

2023, pp. 879–899. doi.org/10.1007/s00146-023-01643-z.

Novelli, Claudio et al. “A Robust Governance for AI Act: AI Office, AI Board, Scientific

Panel, and National Authorities.” European Journal of Risk Regulation, Sept. 2024, pp.1-

25. Doi.org/10.1017/err.2024.57.

Sarala, Riikka M., et al. “Advancing Research on the Future of Work in the Age of

Artificial Intelligence (AI).” Journal of Management Studies, 2025.

doi.org/10.1111/joms.13195.
“Diffusion Models in Vision: A Survey.” IEEE Journals and Magazine \ IEEE Xplore, 1

Sept. 2023, ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10081412.