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Embracing the Future: Understanding Artificial Intelligence

Updated: 2 hours ago

In my lifetime, few technologies have generated as much fear, hope, and confusion as artificial intelligence (AI).


The internet was significant, but AI has the potential to be even bigger. This technology doesn't just make information more accessible; it can also use that information to make decisions on our behalf. The implications can feel overwhelming. While no one claimed the internet could wipe out humanity or help us achieve immortality, those are the kinds of discussions surrounding AI today.


Even if you're not worried about an apocalyptic future, AI can still significantly impact our lives, particularly in the workplace. How can we make sense of the current landscape to make informed decisions about the future?


The role of a futurist is to decipher current trends to unlock the mysteries of what lies ahead.


And you can become a futurist too.


As a speaker on artificial intelligence, I discuss trends that influence various industries. I also encourage individuals to take control of their destinies by becoming DIY futurists. Here’s how you can start.


Thanks for the Memories


You might be surprised to learn that the first step for a futurist is to look back. There's a saying that history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes. While you won't find an artificial intelligence revolution in history books, you will certainly find accounts of technological disruptions.



Graham Norris is a much sought-after AI speaker who is often booked up months in advance due to his unique insights. Please get in touch with Graham as early as you can in your planning, so you can secure his presence at your event and get his input into your planning process.




Throughout history, there have been several landmark technological revolutions. These include the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, the Second Industrial Revolution focusing on steel, electricity, and heavy engineering in the late 19th century, and the Digital Revolution that began around 1970 with computing and telecommunications. Each of these revolutions fundamentally reshaped economies, societies, and cultures through new technologies and infrastructures.


Lessons from Past Revolutions


We can glean several general lessons from these revolutions:


  1. Phased Development: Revolutions typically have an installation phase (disruptive emergence) followed by a deployment phase (maturation and widespread adoption). AI is likely to follow a similar trajectory, where current early disruptive applications give way to broad integration.


  2. Economic and Productivity Impact: Past revolutions significantly boosted productivity and growth while reshaping labor markets. AI could similarly enhance economic growth and transform jobs, but the pace and extent will depend on societal, governmental, and regulatory responses.


  3. Infrastructure and Scale: Past revolutions involved massive physical infrastructure, such as railways and factories. AI's physical infrastructure—like data centres and semiconductors—is smaller but technologically intensive. There are still many questions regarding energy requirements.


  4. Societal Adaptation and Ethics: Previous technological revolutions induced deep societal changes in communication, work, and governance. Early ethical discussions around AI and proactive regulation aim to facilitate AI's integration and address potential negative impacts more swiftly than in past revolutions.


By studying these revolutions, you can uncover trends and countertrends relevant to today.


Fast Forward


After exploring the past, we can apply that knowledge to understand future possibilities. There are two elements to consider: the future outside our control and the future we can influence.


The future outside our control is filled with uncertainties. To manage these uncertainties, our minds tend to make predictions. For instance, in 1960, Herbert Simon, a pioneer of artificial intelligence, predicted that "machines will be capable, within twenty years, of doing any work a man can do." This prediction turned out to be overly optimistic.


Instead of making predictions, it’s better to create scenarios—stories of possible futures that together provide a holistic view of what could happen. Let’s consider AI and jobs in 2035:


  • Mass Displacement: AI eliminates more jobs than it creates, leading to widespread unemployment and growing economic inequality.

  • Job Transformation: Most roles evolve rather than disappear, with humans working alongside AI in complementary partnerships that increase productivity.

  • Skills Polarization: The labor market splits between high-skilled, high-paying AI-adjacent roles and low-paying service jobs that require a human touch.

  • New Job Renaissance: AI creates entirely new job categories at such a scale that employment actually increases, similar to how the internet generated millions of previously unimaginable roles.


The only certainty is that none of these scenarios will happen in isolation. The year 2035 will likely feature elements from multiple scenarios, along with unforeseen developments. By considering a broader range of possibilities, you reduce the risk of being blindsided by unexpected changes.


The future within your control is your vision—the space where you can influence outcomes with your decisions. It’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want AI to achieve for your company or function in the next 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, and 5 years. While a 5-year AI vision may seem ambitious, it is essential. Without direction, there is drift. Continuously revisit your visions to test them against reality.


Back to the Present


Finally, we arrive at the present, where we make decisions that matter. The key is to take action, as this closes the feedback loop. Embracing a spirit of experimentation is vital.


Experimentation is important because it removes the pressure to be right and alleviates the fear of being wrong. When you approach your work like a scientist, it becomes much more engaging. Not every decision is suitable for experimentation—multi-billion-pound factories need to see a return—but the more decisions you make, the better they will become.


AI Tools for Experimentation


So, what AI tools can you start experimenting with today? While many AI applications may not be ready for mainstream adoption, every attempt provides an opportunity to adjust your scenarios and vision. This increases your chances of making better decisions in the future.


Thinking Strategically About the Future


By learning from the past, imagining the future, and taking action in the present, you position yourself to make significant strategic contributions to your company or function. The world is changing rapidly, and no one is better placed than you to determine how artificial intelligence can best serve your area of expertise. Are you ready to lean into the future?



Want to be more futurist? Sign up for The DIY Futurist.

 
 
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