AI, in its infancy
If AI is in its infancy, it felt like a song & video needed to be created with a bunch of futuristic brainy babies jacked into an imminent metaverse. Forget the burger joint for the first job... our kids are going to be running the world in a few years with automation and chat GPT while teleconferencing remotely from inside their tropical Minecraft resort.
As I sit down to write about my thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the creative class and society at large, I realize that my words may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things. After all, what difference can one person's opinions make when it comes to the future of technology and the economy?
But then I remind myself that this is precisely the attitude that has gotten us into trouble in the past. We often underestimate the power of our thoughts and actions, and fail to see how they can contribute to larger societal shifts. So, with that in mind, I'll share my thoughts on the subject.
First, as a human being, I have mixed feelings about the rapid advancement of AI. On the one hand, I'm cautiously optimistic about the potential for AI to help us solve complex problems and create a better future. On the other hand, I'm terrified of the consequences it may have on our ability to think critically and creatively, and the impact it may have on employment and income inequality.
As a parent, I'm also concerned about the impact of technology on our children. How do we navigate the challenges of screen time, cyberbullying, exposure to violence, and digital illiteracy? And how do we decide when it's appropriate to introduce our children to AI and virtual reality? These are tough questions that require thoughtful consideration.
As a member of the creative class, I've seen firsthand how technology can disrupt industries and change the nature of work. I've had three career switches since 2008, and I anticipate that my current job in user experience (UX) design will be significantly impacted by AI in the near future. While there will likely be massive layoffs in some areas, there will also be new opportunities for people to retrain and adapt to the changing landscape.
However, I worry about the impact of AI on the creative process itself. Will AI tools ultimately lead to a homogenization of creative output, as everyone uses the same algorithms and prompts to generate work? And what happens to the value of creative work when it's no longer scarce, but can be easily replicated by machines?
At the same time, I recognize that we can't stop progress. If the technology can be created, it will be created. This is why it's crucial for us to have honest and open conversations about the potential consequences of AI, and to start thinking about ways to mitigate its negative impacts.
Ultimately, I believe that it's up to us as individuals and as a society to shape the future of AI and ensure that it benefits everyone, not just a select few. This will require us to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and to demand that our leaders create policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
So, while my thoughts on AI may feel insignificant, I’m guessing they echo a few cautiously optimistic others in a larger conversation about the future of our world. And I'm hopeful that by sharing my perspective, I can contribute to a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to AI and its impact on society.
(This post about AI was edited by the AI)
