Neural Networks: What Are They, And Why Is The Tech Industry Obsessed With Them?

But what the heck are neural networks and what do they mean for the future of computing and design? This is a sticky issue, because there's no single definition neural network that's universally agreed upon. In essence, a neural network is a computer program that tries to simulate the way a human mind works--more specifically, by simulating neurons themselves. In your brain, there are hundreds of billions of tiny cells called neurons, each of which is connected to maybe tens of thousands of its brethren in complicated, ever-changing webs. This charming interactive story is a great primer on how they work, but put (very) simply, neurons are how we learn.