Macon, Ga. (WGXA) — The words "artificial intelligence" are commonplace these days, and it's all around us - whether we know it or not.

Did you use Spotify today? It has an AI algorithm. So do streaming services like Netflix

Its rapid expansion, however, has left folks trying to understand what it is - and how to use it.

Talia Campione is a technology librarian at the Washington Memorial Library who says she saw a need and ran with it.

"We just want to make sure that we are ethically using these artificial intelligence services but also understanding what is correct and incorrect," Campione said.

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According to her, using sources like ChatGPT are great for making lists and charts.

However, using it to generate AI videos can be risky — especially when it comes to misinformation.

WGXA attended Campione's beginner AI inquiry class tonight to learn to get a better feel of AI education within Middle Georgia.

We learned how to write a prompt, what to share and not to share with ChatGPT, and understanding that even ai can have its biases.

But Campione says it's more than just ChatGPT.

Google's Gemini and Microsoft's copilot are other ai tools you can find - right in your favorite internet browser.

While classes like this focus on ethical use, there's a practical lesson entering Middle Georgia's backyard.

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Big tech companies are laying the groundwork for AI on a much larger scale.

Last week, Monroe County announced Google's purchase of 950 acres of land near Rumble Road for $42 million.

Data centers are also causing controversy in neighboring Twiggsand Jones counties.

"AI has been around quite a long time, but these centers are getting bigger and it is impacting us negatively," Campione said. I don't believe it's going anywhere anytime soon."

Whether it’s in our schools, our jobs, or right here at the library — AI's already here. And for folks around the mid-state, learning how to use it responsibly may be the best way to stay ahead of it.

If you're interested in taking a class like this, Campione says they offer workshops on Tuesdays at 1 pm and Thursdays at 6 pm.