Multimodal Natural Language Processing (NLP) has emerged as a cutting-edge field, integrating various data types such as text, images, audio, and video to enhance language understanding and generation capabilities. Recent advancements have led to the development of powerful models like Google's Gemini, which can process and generate content across multiple modalities1. These models are capable of tasks such as extracting text from images, converting image captions to structured formats, and generating responses to visual prompts1. The integration of different modalities allows

NLP is AI that is focused on the interaction between computers and human language12. It gives machines the ability to understand, interpret, and respond in ways that sound and feel human3. For example, when generating written content, NLP bridges that gap between what a human would think and a machine's logic4. Learning models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), and others, have empowered AI systems to better understand the context and many complexities of human language5. In the end, these models give AI the ability to process and develop text that is more human-like and powerful6.

When AI was introduced to the public, the way we interacted with it was a bit underwhelming and clunky. As users, we were forced to adapt to AI's language, which was often mind-boggling and far from intuitive to real life. Now, NLP is bridging the gap, giving AI insights into the subtleties behind human emotions, intent, and words12. For example, Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa utilize NLP to humanize these tools. This is why Siri can understand what humans say as they casually share information and can do things like play music, access apps, complete orders, and more3.

NLP is already making a significant impact on the business world. From allowing companies to personalize their customer service efforts to chatbots dealing with customer issues to production tools that save professionals hours and hours of work each day, NLP is revolutionizing how we all work and succeed12. A great example of NLP playing a key role is in healthcare. It is being used to take notes during patient visits and to analyze massive amounts of data3. It also works to free up staff so they can focus on what matters most. Also, NLP (with the help of algorithms), can work to identify patterns and help explore treatment options for patients4.

As mentioned above (as NLP progresses), it will be hardwired to understand and detect emotions. Currently, emotional intelligence in AI has a long way to go, but as time progresses the tools we rely on will have a much deeper understanding of the sentiment behind our words12. For example, imagine harnessing a virtual personal assistant that will help you exceed your deadlines while being willing to listen to you (and propose solutions) when you're stressed out and need support3. Or, if you can't afford a therapist, gain free and immediate support while being given a tangible roadmap for healing and progression45.

While there are numerous thrilling and useful things about NLP, there is also a fair share of challenges and ethical concerns surrounding it. For example, it can pick up on and promote prejudiced views because of the massive datasets it's given access to12. Also, privacy can be a concern because of AIs ability to collect and process a person's personal information, especially when it comes to finance and health-related data34. Finally, there are worries surrounding whether digitally produced speech can be confused with human speech. If so, how can anyone be sure they're interacting with a real human? The answers to these questions will take time, but we can expect for the debate over them to be healthy in the coming days, months, and years56.

It's safe to say that NLP is and will increasingly be highly important as we increase our dependence on AI. We can all expect that it will reshape how we communicate, experience data, build business processes, and so much more12. NLP is far more than a tool to process and understand language, it's the bridge between our minds, our voices, and AI34.