What is Machine Learning Used For?

Machine learning has uses in all areas of the modern world

People constantly hear about machine learning, but many do not know what exactly it is. The best way to learn what it is comes from knowing what it is used for. The different uses of machine learning span all areas of business, academia, and research. It is not specifically artificial intelligence, but it came from the same branch of research. The algorithms created are used to predict outcomes without having to be told what the user wants or needs. The use of predictive software has risen as it’s becoming more relevant.

Law Enforcement

There are several uses for machine learning in the realm of law enforcement. There are many cases where the police have a recording, but have no way to match it. There are algorithms for that. Handwriting matches are made easier with the software. Credit card fraud is found more easily. While there is no software that can do a police officer’s job for them, there are tools available to build a case that will lead to an arrest in many cases. While a computer is unable to testify, the evidence trail it builds can be easily explained by an expert.

Data Science

While predictive modeling is part of the job of a data scientist, it is not the main part. Data science needs to be able to have a broad range of computer algorithms, in which machine learning is just a part. A scientist must first gather the data. Their employers are the ones who will tell them what they want that data to be used for. That predictive modeling can be used in many fields, such as the financial markets, weather modeling, and movie popularity. It is the scientist who plans out what data is used in this endeavor.

Medical Uses

The medical field has started to become easier with machine learning. While it is still an aide for doctors to use in the diagnosis, it is a powerful tool. Many doctors are able to work on more advanced problems, as the more common ones can be seen quickly by a program. The research applications are also a good area to see the use of algorithms in predicting where outbreaks will occur. Medical research is needing these tools to see how changes can cure or help those who are afflicted, as well. This could bring the price of healthcare down, while raising the quality.

Modern Advertising

Most people do not pay attention to ads anymore. As machine learning has become more advanced, people in the marketing industry is learning how this can be changed. More ads on websites are becoming more relevant to the person watching YouTube or scrolling through their Facebook account. That means that marketing campaigns can be more targeted, which saves money for the company that needs to advertise. Instead of a person allergic to cats getting cat food ads, they can now get ads for their favorite types of books. That comes from better predictive modeling through better algorithms.

Machine learning has many more uses. It is all about how well an algorithm can figure out, via predictive modeling, how the data has uses for a specific area. It is so important, that Netflix paid a million dollars to a group that came up with a way to change how their subscribers were shown selections they would want to see. The medical industry has spent billions to develop software to help with diagnoses. Day traders use software to help predict market trends to try to buy the right stock at the right moment and sell it at another. That is the power of machine learning.