“Worried about AI? You might have AI-nxiety – here’s how to cope”
AI-nxiety, a term I recently stumbled upon during an online search, has become a topic of interest following my recent training sessions. I’ve been engaging in conversations with parents, educators, and professionals working with youth regarding their interactions with various AI platforms. It’s surprising to note that quite a few have been hesitant to explore technologies like ChatGPT and My AI on Snapchat, despite their user-friendly nature for AI novices. During these training sessions, I stress that while many adults may have reservations, today’s youth are eagerly embracing AI. Our role is to learn, guide, and support them in this digital realm.
As for those grappling with AI-nxiety (anxiety about using AI), remember, it’s perfectly fine and can even be enjoyable to experiment with AI platforms. Additionally, I’d like to share a thought from an individual I heard on a talk show discussing AI. He wisely said, “If you’re afraid of the machine, you’re opening yourself up to being replaced by the machine.”
Looking back, many of us were initially cautious about embracing new technologies before they became commonplace. To illustrate this, I requested AI to compile a list, and here’s what it provided based on my prompt.
Prompt: “What technologies did we avoid at first because we were scared of them but are now common every day items?”
Response:
1- Electricity: Initially feared, it now powers our homes.
2- Automobiles: Once seen as noisy and dangerous, they’re now common.
3- Air travel: Early aviation had safety concerns but is now safe.
4- Computers: Once complex, they’re now ubiquitous in daily life.
5- Microwave ovens: Worries about radiation faded, and they’re now kitchen staples.
6- Mobile phones: Concerns about radio waves are outweighed by their usefulness.
7- Social media: Initial worries about privacy persist, but it’s widely used.
8- Genetic engineering: Ethical and safety concerns remain, but it’s used in medicine and agriculture.
9- Artificial intelligence: Initial fears about job displacement persist, but AI is used widely.
10- Online shopping: Early skepticism about safety has diminished; it’s a common way to shop.
I then asked AI to help relieve your AI-nxiety.
My prompt: “In 100 words or less, tell my email audience why they should embrace learning about AI.”
Response:
“Embracing AI learning is essential in our rapidly evolving world. Understanding AI empowers you to harness its potential, fostering career growth and innovation. AI is revolutionizing industries, from healthcare to finance, offering new opportunities. Stay relevant in the job market by acquiring AI skills. Also, AI knowledge helps you make informed decisions in daily life, from utilizing virtual assistants to understanding AI-driven content recommendations. It’s a tool for problem-solving and creativity. Ultimately, embracing AI learning is about staying at the forefront of technology, ensuring you remain adaptable and competitive in an AI-driven future. Don’t miss out on the opportunities it presents.”
Want to learn more about how to alleviate your AI-nxiety? Read the article.