Change phobia is ingrained in human nature. The human mind has the historic propensity for imagining the future and becoming overly conscious and apprehensive about automation supplanting human intelligence and disrupting its comfort zone. It is surprising that we fear objects and innovations that are nothing more than the product of human intellect. As per Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus:

“Humans are not afraid of things, but how they view them!”

Generally speaking, ignorance fosters fear, so let us first determine the extent of capabilities of these Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) that are taking the world by storm.

Enabling and Improving, Amplifying and Simplifying

AI tools allow humans to generate more value during their working hours, thereby augmenting their creative and innovative capacities. GPT platforms can transform ordinary users into self-styled creators!

• With the increased accessibility and usability of AI tools, workers will be able to create unique solutions and novel products for niche markets, driving overall innovation and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement.
• Such tools will enhance and simplify their capacity for mass customization and production. More people will acquire the skills necessary to collaborate with AI as co-workers (non-physical collaborative robots – cobots), experiment with various materials and technologies, and create unique, innovative solutions or products.
• The rapid increase in the use of open-source collaborative platforms, driven by direct user prompts, will have significant effects on many facets of our lives, economy, and culture. A DIY society fueled by artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape economies by altering conventional production and consumption patterns. As individuals become both producers and consumers, production will become more localized, decentralized, and customized.

As a result, contrary to widespread belief, it is evident that AI tools such as GPT will not eliminate jobs but rather enhance the creative and innovative abilities of employees.

Privacy Concerns overshadow the evident improvement in fundamental intelligence level…

There have been calls from some individuals, including Elon Musk, for governments to halt or limit the spread of GPT technology. Italy is the first nation to suspend GPT due to privacy and security concerns. While privacy and security are valid concerns that must be addressed, it is possible that such companies have realized that GPT platforms are transforming mainstream users into pseudo-creators, thereby rendering current commercial models obsolete and redundant in a no time! Imagine affordable 3D printing machines controlled by GPT prompts that allow fashionistas to design and manufacture their own prototypes of branded purses, then sell them directly to consumers via online independent marketplaces. With the extensive use of AI tools, this may affect, if not extinguish, the market share of companies offering branded products now.

An inclusive, ESG society!

An evolution from economic models to shared-economic models, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and job creation in various sectors will eventually lead to the formation of an inclusive global society where growth is driven by more than just the skillsets of workers and the amount of time they spend on the job. A greater democratization of technology and the resulting expansion of globalization would nurture a sense of community and shared purpose, bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding between diverse groups and nations.

An AI-led environment could also help humans make more informed decisions regarding eco-friendly, sustainable products, decisions that are currently largely influenced by “For-profit” corporations. It can support the enhancement of a layperson’s technical comprehension of the carbon impact of products and services on the environment, resulting in a faster global education to opt for, develop, and action net zero solutions.

Acceptance and Education, not Fear, is the way forward!

The advancement of technology necessitates a rethinking of education and talent development. Rather than being outlawed, AI tools must be incorporated early on into our educational system. An essential set of skills for individuals to participate productively in the future society, school curricula should guarantee that all students learn how to use AI tools to enhance and amplify their agency. In order to prepare students for this new reality, academic institutions will have to modify their curricula and teaching methodologies.

There are unquestionable obstacles to surmount, including the early adoption of the altered / untraditional mentality by academic and business leaders. There will also be legal and ethical concerns to consider, such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, and security issues. (Traditional copyright licenses will confront a crisis of legitimacy as AI-enabled creativity gives rise to a new type of legal products resulting from human-AI collaborations). Creative Common licenses (much like the concept of a subscription model called SaaS) will increase in popularity as they permit creators to specify how their work can be used and shared by others, thereby fostering a more flexible and collaborative approach to intellectual property rights.

The challenge for policymakers and regulators will be keeping up with these changes and ensuring that the society undergoing transformation operates within a fair and accountable framework. The challenge for public administration and governance will be how to restructure public services to accommodate a do-it-yourself culture. When citizens have access to AI tools, current digital services will appear increasingly dated. It will be necessary to rethink government services in an entirely new fashion. It may not be possible to provide certainty, but clarity and development could surely be emphasized.

A ray of hope:

It is evident that what is occurring is nothing short of a revolution in human activity, which will ultimately make us significantly more capable collectively, regardless of our individual capacities. The more people experience the capabilities of AI technologies across functions, the more they will realize that this technology will expand rather than diminish their role. The future calls for the defragmentation of capitalist society, which for millennia has tortured and exploited the poor while enriching the wealthy. AI in general and GPT platforms, in particular, are a ray of hope for facilitating the skills of workers with more creativity in less time, thereby sparking an entrepreneurial evolution that will promote true shared community, diversity, and inclusion. If the technology remains in the hands of power-hungry politicians and business leaders, they will exploit it for their own purposes. Humans can better utilize this for the benefit of the greater good of humanity and the planet!

#chatGPT #Ai education #AI tools #ESG #inclusion

Author’s Bio:

Asma Jan Muhammad is a finance specialist by day and a writer by night. Her extensive exposure to corporate financial management has honed her analytical skills which she aspires to use to inspire others. Her publications include “Reflections” and co-authored books “She Dares” and “She is Remarkable”.  Asma believes in enabling others and in promoting tolerance, diversity, and equality through her writings.