AI: Friend or Foe?

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Despite being only a part-time Luddite, the author admits to being hesitant about AI, or artificial intelligence. It seems that AI has exploded onto the scene recently, promising both job losses and transformations, leaving many feeling uneasy.

The Luddites, 19th-century English textile workers, opposed automated machinery due to fears of job loss and lower pay. Their reaction to AI would be something to behold. AI “assistance” is now commonplace, with Google often providing AI-generated responses. The reliability of these responses is questionable, and AI should be a starting point, not a replacement for journalism.

AI is rapidly advancing and is predicted to reach human-level efficacy soon, making it a hot topic in business. CEOs are preparing to avoid being left behind, as noted by Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei, who warned CEOs to embrace AI or risk failure. Axios encourages its employees to spend at least 10% of their day using AI. Several free platforms are available for anyone to use.

The author mentions their car, which communicates unsolicited, but is learning the author's conversational preferences. Learning to interact with AI is becoming necessary. The author is confident that AI will not take their job, as they are unimpressed with its writing abilities so far. However, if a car can learn preferences, AI might eventually master snark and sarcasm.

The Unwilling

The author suggests naming a movement “The Unwilling” after George Will, whose intellect surpasses any AI. Will's job is secure because AI could not replicate his wit and contempt. However, Will is likely engaged with AI due to his intellectual curiosity. Surprisingly, older Americans are adopting AI faster than younger ones. In 2023, Jared Spataro reported that 65% of Gen Z employees feel inadequately skilled for the AI era, compared to 50% of baby boomers. Spataro uses AI as an assistant and suggests assigning it complex tasks with specific requests, such as prioritizing tasks, analyzing meeting options, and brainstorming product names.

AI as an assistant?

The author contemplates the cost savings of an AI assistant but questions if it could perform tasks like going to the post office or providing personal connection. The author values their human assistant, Serena, for her unique qualities.

The author remains optimistic about AI's potential benefits in medicine and risk management but believes it will never surpass human capabilities. The author looks forward to advancements and intends to continue writing their own columns.