I’m not opposed to AI. I believe it serves useful and needful purposes. Perhaps not as practical as a fork or knife, but likely more serviceable than—if not as dangerous as—a baby cage¹.
Does it have its own consciousness? Will it be weaponized against humanity? Does it do more harm than good? Only time will tell.
Here’s what we know—AI is revolutionizing industries and obsoleting jobs. It’s doing it at breakneck speed and with pinpoint precision, all while appearing fluid and nearly human. We know that this tendency will only accelerate and multiply in the coming months and years. It’s highly likely the world we live in in even 10 years from now looks drastically different.
Here’s what we, nor any amount of artificial intelligence, don’t know — the future. No machine can accurately predict tomorrow with 100% certainty. We may not get to choose how AI disrupts our lives or careers, but we do get a choice in how we interact with it. It’s here to stay.
Like the social media revolution over the last 10 years, the AI wave will undoubtedly sweep into every crevice of our attention and space. This is why we must choose to engage with it thoughtfully and intentionally. If not, it will quickly shed its useful mask and reveal its insidious and profligate nature. It can do just about anything. But it cannot force you to engage others in a meaningful and human way.
Use AI and appreciate it for what it is. Just remember what it is not.
¹ Yes, it was a real thing. https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/history-baby-cage-1934-1948/