The dizzying speed of change in artificial intelligence and deep learning machines is nothing short of astonishing. I'm sorry to say it, Zoomers, but you will be facing one of the most significant technological revolutions the world has ever seen.
This technology will transform every aspect of life, from how we communicate to how we work to how we think about the world around us. The pace of change is relentless, and it can be overwhelming to keep up with. It's hard to imagine what the world will look like in just a few short years.
The intersection of technology and culture is nothing new. It has always been this way; however, when I look across the landscape of inventions, this new technology may rival the printing press, steam engine, and the creation of the internet. AI is that big of a deal. Being on the cusp of something so ground-breaking is exhilarating and horrifying at the same time.
But you, as a young adult, must harness the power of this technological revolution, or you run the risk of being left behind.
“Machine intelligence is the last invention that humanity will ever need to make.”
— Nick Bostrom
What is AI?
You've surely heard the term "AI technology" thrown around by pundits, Youtubers, and teachers. But what exactly is AI technology? In short, AI uses machines and algorithms to simulate human intelligence and perform all kinds of tasks traditionally reserved for human thinking, such as decision-making, speech recognition, and visual perception. The problem is these machines can process information and learn at rates a human could never dream of achieving.
I have taught the humanities for 20+ years and read hundreds of books, yet, these machines know more about the humanities than I could learn in 1,000 lifetimes. It is that impressive. It is the same for every human in every industry on the planet. We, as humans, simply cannot compete with these machines in learning and processing information.
It can feel overwhelming trying to understand this technology. Granted, it is complex. Yet, you need to make this a priority in your education. As it is going to impact every field of study regardless of the profession you want to pursue someday.
AI technology is that powerful.
Embrace AI Technology
From healthcare to finance to transportation, no sector will be left unscathed by this atomic bomb of innovation. So embrace this technology and learn how to use it to your advantage. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to compete in the job market and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce. Which, of course, means higher compensation for you if you want to put it into monetary terms.
A prospective employer will either perceive you as someone who uses and understands this technology, or you will lose your job to this technology.
I don’t like the “either-or” reasoning, as generally, it isn’t true; however, in regards to AI and how rapidly it is spreading, you need to take this technological innovation seriously—very seriously.
The Benefits of AI Technology
There are many reasons why young adults should embrace AI technology. For one, it can make life easier and more efficient. AI technology can help us make better decisions by analyzing vast amounts of data and providing insights humans miss. This can be especially useful in industries like healthcare and finance, where decisions can have life-altering consequences.
“Potential” can be a dangerous word, but truly, AI has immense potential if your generation becomes fluent and innovative to effect change for the good. This is critical, as the power of machine learning is so immense we need users and developers to ensure the impact on society is a net positive.
Engaging with AI Technology
If you're a high school senior or anyone looking to engage with AI technology, there are a few essential tips to consider:
Start by learning the basics. Take an online course or read up on the latest trends and technologies in the field you wish to study and eventually work in.
Follow power users in AI for free. There are important and skilled influencers on Twitter, Youtube, and other social media that demonstrate how you can use this technology in so many amazing ways.
Look for opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings. Consider internships or volunteer work with organizations using AI technology to solve real-world problems.
Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. Tools are out there right now, like ChatGPT and Midjourney, that you can learn to use for free.
“Within a few decades, machine intelligence will surpass human intelligence, leading to The Singularity — technological change so rapid and profound it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history.”
— Ray Kurzweil
AI technology is constantly evolving, and the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to be willing to try new things and take calculated risks. The worst thing you can do is ignore this technology and hope it won’t impact your future.
In conclusion, AI technology will revolutionize the way we live and work. As young adults, embracing this technology and learning how to use it to your advantage is essential. By doing so, you can ensure that AI technology benefits your careers and life rather than AI being a threat.
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