AI Stole My Job, and That's Great News for Our Future
Jacob Rangel spoke at TEDx Folsom on June 21, 2024. "AI promises to answer all of our questions and make all our dreams come true," Rangel begins, highlighting the monumental impact of AI technologies on our lives. He recounts the launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, a date that marked a turning point in the field of artificial intelligence. This event unleashed a wave of creativity, allowing designers and entrepreneurs to build applications previously unimaginable. Rangel humorously recalls how AI became an omnipresent co-author, even contributing to his TED Talk's opening lines.
The rise of AI is not just a technological revolution; it's a transformation of humanity itself. AI's ability to compose symphonies, generate immersive worlds, and capture the essence of human creativity represents a significant leap forward. However, as Rangel points out, this advancement comes with its challenges and uncertainties.
The Cost of Progress: Displacement and Weaponization
Rangel uses the story of Odin from Norse mythology as a metaphor to illustrate the potential costs of AI. Just as Odin sacrificed an eye for cosmic knowledge, humanity may face sacrifices in its pursuit of AI's benefits. These costs emerge in three critical dimensions: displacement, weaponization, and speed.
Displacement: As AI automates various tasks, job displacement becomes a significant concern. The International Monetary Fund predicts that 40% of all jobs may be affected by AI. Even if this estimate is halved, the impact remains substantial. Rangel shares the example of Tyler Perry's decision to halt a major film studio expansion due to AI's ability to generate Hollywood-quality videos, illustrating how AI can disrupt entire industries.
Weaponization: The weaponization of AI is another pressing issue. Rangel warns of the dangers of disinformation campaigns and voice-cloning technologies, where AI can mimic voices with alarming accuracy. He also highlights the development of AI-driven military technologies, such as robot dogs and autonomous drones, that reshape the battlefield.
Speed: The rapid pace of AI development is perhaps the most alarming. AI's acceleration surpasses Moore's Law, with computing power increasing at a rate of 10x every six months. This unprecedented speed makes it challenging to keep up with AI's advancements and their implications.
Finding Solutions: Navigating the AI Revolution
Despite these challenges, Rangel remains optimistic about the future. He proposes several solutions to navigate the AI revolution responsibly:
Global AI Alignment Council: Rangel advocates for a coordinated global effort to regulate AI technologies, akin to the Atomic Energy Commission's oversight of nuclear energy. This council would consist of AI researchers and experts focused on understanding abstract threats and protecting humanity from potential AI risks.
Human Investment Initiative (HII): With significant job displacement on the horizon, investing in human reskilling is crucial. Rangel highlights Singapore's reskilling program, which offers free education to citizens over 40. He suggests similar initiatives worldwide, emphasizing the need for collaboration between different generations to create a dynamic workforce.
Embracing the Opportunities: Rangel points to the World Economic Forum's prediction of 97 million new jobs by 2025, highlighting the potential for AI to create abundant opportunities. The future holds exciting prospects, from writing and directing movies with AI to communicating with animals or exploring dreams like video games.
The Call for Human Connection
As we embrace the possibilities of AI, Rangel urges us not to lose sight of the most important technology of all: human connection. He warns against letting AI divide us, as social media has done, and emphasizes the need to set boundaries for technology use in our lives.
AI has the power to bring us together like never before, but it requires a conscious effort to prioritize human relationships and connections. Rangel concludes, "We have a responsibility to not forget the most important technology, the most ancient and sacred technology, and that is human connection."
Meet Jacob
Jacob will be speaking at the Folsom AI meetup on October 1 at Granite City Coworking. To register for the event, click here.
About Jacob Rangel
A professional Prompt Engineer, Jacob Rangel, is at the forefront of leveraging Generative AI to revolutionize creative problem-solving and drive efficiency across industries. As a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of AI, he champions its responsible implementation. Through insightful applications and thought leadership, he inspires and helps businesses embrace and deploy AI to power their growth. Jacob envisions a future where AI and human ingenuity collaborate harmoniously, paving the way for unprecedented innovation and success.
