The Impact of the Age of AI: Concerns and Considerations
- Lay Jordan
- May 6
- 9 min read
Updated: May 8
Have you seen Duolingo's announcement that it is an AI-first company? The public (of course) is not happy in a time when there is already so much economic uncertainty. People who went to college during the pandemic era (anywhere from 2020 - 2022) were largely disadvantaged, given that schools operated so differently that in-person networking opportunities and unless you already had connections within college, many are working to get a chance at entry roles or even internships if they would allow it.
According to research, when a company is AI-first, it prioritizes the use of artificial intelligence in all aspects of its operations instead of treating AI as a secondary or add-on technology. On Episode 46 of A Little Atypical, we looked at AI from a personal development standpoint and how people in that area of life have been using it, and the pros and cons. You can listen to it through one of the following links below. Remember to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode and rate it 5 stars so other people who enjoy unconventional approaches and topics in wellness can find it as well.
Episode No. 46
Where to listen:
I really enjoyed making that episode because I enjoyed the research process. I remember in my college days, my information systems course professor warned me and my fellow classmates that AI is exactly where our business sector was heading and encouraged us to get specific certifications because those skills would serve us in an AI- driven world. That was something that stuck with me.
In light of my post-grad panic and my self-education journey, I added it as one of the subjects I wanted to learn about. AI has been around longer than we think, but in more recent years, not only has the accessibility to it changed, but so have its functions.
Some interesting things I learned so far are
AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to computer programs that can complete cognitive tasks typically associated with human intelligence.
There is Classic AI and Generative AI
Classic AI operates within predefined rules ( examples of this are data analysis or game playing, like chess)
Generative AI uses machine learning to create new content (text, images, or music)
AI is limited by its training data, can produce inaccuracies, and may reflect or amplify biases
AI requires human supervision to ensure responsible use, provide diverse perspectives, and improve the accuracy of AI-generated content
Most effective when used for augmentation rather than complete automation, requiring collaboration between AI and human workers
However, despite feeling better learning about it, it still doesn’t erase my main concerns.
Concerns about AI
My first concern is about the aspects of how it influences creatives. Learning about AI has also led to the discovery of new jobs that come with the evolution, such as AI ethicist, Prompt Engineer, and AI trainer (as well as mentioning the growth of Data Scientist and Machine learning engineering). However, the skill set for those roles is completely different than the roles that they are influencing the most, and in terms of accessibility, how many of those roles are entry-level positions and can be acquired without requiring special training prior to the role?
There are many companies that already don’t want to train people as it is and expect candidates to have experience even at entry level. I’ve heard of people who have gotten rejected from internships for not having enough experience as well (which is insane, given the fact that internships are supposed to be th hands-on activity that gives you experience).
Creativity in itself is not taken seriously enough as a skill. While yes, it is something many of us are born with, but like any other skill, it has to be put into practice constantly. Even from a young age, we had always seen creative endeavors as “extra” (aka extracurriculars), but not something as important enough to be framed as core subjects.
I want to emphasize that I'm not against AI technology. Like any tool, AI itself is neutral - it's how people choose to implement and use it that creates positive or negative outcomes. To understand the current situation, we need to examine it through a business lens.
Throughout history, business has always been inherently competitive. From ancient barter systems to the industrial revolution's laissez-faire policies, businesses have consistently sought advantages over competitors. In today's context, companies implementing AI are primarily focused on reducing time spent on what they categorize as "non-essential" tasks to increase profitability.
While many organizations frame this as pursuing efficiency, there's a deeper implication when AI is used to replace rather than augment creative work. This approach suggests that companies view the creative process itself as inefficient simply because it requires time and human input. This perspective fails to recognize that the value of creative work often lies in the journey and human experience that shapes the final output.
In my AI learning journey, the program emphasizes the crucial role of human oversight in AI systems. However, the program barely touches on the regulatory landscape. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely see AI's potential, especially after diving deep into the subject. Like the early days of the internet, AI could be a game-changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs who can't afford to outsource work.
But here's where it gets interesting (and a bit scary). AI is evolving at warp speed, while our legal frameworks are struggling to keep up. Remember how messy things got with the internet regarding plagiarism, copyright, and intellectual property? We're still dealing with those consequences today. Now imagine throwing AI into that mix, with its ability to generate and manipulate content at unprecedented scales. It makes me wonder - in this rapidly evolving AI landscape, how will we protect and value original creations?
Another significant concern revolves around the environmental impact of AI technology. Much like the Industrial Revolution transformed our world while introducing unprecedented environmental challenges, the AI revolution brings its own ecological considerations.
AI systems, particularly large language models and extensive machine learning operations, require massive data centers to function. These centers consume enormous amounts of energy for both processing power and cooling systems.
The environmental cost extends beyond just energy consumption. The hardware required for AI operations - from servers to specialized processing units - creates significant electronic waste. Additionally, the water usage for cooling these massive data centers is substantial, raising concerns about water resource management in many regions.
While companies are working on developing more energy-efficient AI systems and using renewable energy sources for data centers, the rapid scaling of AI adoption means the environmental footprint continues to grow. This presents a crucial challenge: how do we balance the benefits of AI advancement with environmental sustainability?
This environmental aspect adds another layer to the ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation. As we push forward with AI innovation, we must also prioritize developing sustainable practices and technologies that minimize ecological impact. Otherwise, we risk repeating the environmental mistakes of previous technological revolutions.
Considerations for AI
The conversation around AI in creative fields is far more nuanced than a simple "good versus bad" debate. While concerns about AI replacing human creativity are valid, there's also potential for AI to serve as a powerful tool that enhances rather than diminishes creative processes.
For individual creators and small businesses, AI can serve as a valuable brainstorming partner, helping to overcome creative blocks, explore new perspectives, and expand creative horizons. It can assist in articulating ideas that might be difficult to express or suggest approaches that stem from different viewpoints and experiences. This kind of AI utilization doesn't replace human creativity - it amplifies it.
The ethical implications of AI usage largely depend on implementation. While larger corporations might use AI to replace human workers - a concerning trend driven by profit maximization - smaller entities can use the same technology to level the playing field. For independent creators and small businesses operating with limited resources, AI tools can provide capabilities that were previously only accessible to larger organizations with substantial budgets.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that many of the concerns surrounding AI stem from broader systemic issues within our capitalist framework. The fear of job displacement, the devaluation of creative work, and the concentration of power in the hands of large corporations are not purely AI-related problems - they're manifestations of existing economic inequalities that AI has the potential to either exacerbate or help address, depending on how we choose to implement and regulate it. Developing frameworks that ensure AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement, while addressing the underlying systemic issues that make technological advancement feel threatening rather than promising for many workers.
Episode Description:
Is AI the secret weapon for personal growth, or could it be holding you back? In this eye-opening episode, we break down the real pros and cons of using artificial intelligence for self-development. Plus, discover practical, actionable strategies for leveraging AI tools to accelerate your growth while maintaining authentic inner work. From ChatGPT life coaching to AI-powered habit tracking, learn what actually works and what to avoid in your personal development journey.
Key Topics Covered:
The role of AI in personal development and self-improvement
Balancing technological efficiency with authentic introspection
Practical ways to use AI tools mindfully in your growth journey
Creating effective systems that combine human wisdom with AI capabilities
Environmental and societal implications of AI integration
Plus: Real-world applications of AI in personal growth
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Music by Remil - Evening Tea - https://thmatc.co/?l=DFECB5D4
Section | Timestamp | Notes |
Introduction | 00:00 | Highlights:
Join for an in-depth exploration of conscious technology use in personal development. Whether you're tech-savvy or traditional in your growth journey, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating self-improvement in the digital age. |
What is AI, and how is it already in the Personal Development Landscape | 03:26 | Highlights:
Discover how artificial intelligence has transformed from a scientific concept to a powerful tool in personal development and mental wellness. Join us as we explore the fascinating evolution and future potential of AI in self-improvement. |
The Benefits of AI in Personal Growth | 06:48 | Highlights:
These transformative benefits showcase how AI is reshaping the landscape of personal development, offering new possibilities for those seeking to enhance their growth journey. |
The Potential Pitfalls | 12:59 | Highlights:
Discover how the integration of AI in personal development presents both opportunities and challenges for authentic self-improvement. Learn why maintaining a balanced approach to technological assistance is crucial for meaningful growth. |
Finding the Balance: A Mindful Approach | 19:00 | Highlights:
Dive deep into these transformative strategies and learn how to harness AI's potential while maintaining authentic personal growth. Perfect for digital creators, personal development enthusiasts, and anyone looking to level up their life meaningfully in the AI age. |
Card Pull | 26:48 | |
What I'm grateful for | 29:57 |
List of Research Sources/ References
From podcast episode:
https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-artificial-intelligence
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/will-ai-help-or-hurt-sustainability-yes/
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres
what-world-can-do-about https://www.immerse.education/study-tips/ai-enabled-personal-development/
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/video/ai-tool-reduce-stress-107593762
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/business/alexa-does-not-understand-your-accent/
https://hbr.org/2018/02/can-we-keep-our-biases-from-creeping-into-ai
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