What is AI, what is it not, how we use it in physics and how it impacts... you
It provides an incremental review and discussion for physicists and researchers to navigate AI's growing influence in their field and society.
This paper tackles the need for physicists to critically understand AI/ML by exploring definitions, differences from traditional programming, and applications in high-energy physics, while also addressing broader societal impacts and the importance of responsible engagement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been prevalent in particle physics for over three decades, shaping many aspects of High Energy Physics (HEP) analyses. As AI's influence grows, it is essential for physicists $\unicode{x2013}$ as both researchers and informed citizens $\unicode{x2013}$ to critically examine its foundations, misconceptions, and impact. This paper explores AI definitions, examines how ML differs from traditional programming, and provides a brief review of AI/ML applications in HEP, highlighting promising trends such as Simulation-Based Inference, uncertainty-aware machine learning, and Fast ML for anomaly detection. Beyond physics, it also addresses the broader societal harms of AI systems, underscoring the need for responsible engagement. Finally, it stresses the importance of adapting research practices to an evolving AI landscape, ensuring that physicists not only benefit from the latest tools but also remain at the forefront of innovation.