4 Superpowers to stay relevant in the AI?Age

I often wish for the ability to think of something like sending an email or WhatsApp message and it actually sends, especially as my time in front of devices has diminished considerably. However with advancements like Elon Musk’s first Neuralink Telepathy product, that future does not seem that far away now. Thus it becomes essential to equip ourselves with the right qualities or skills to stay relevant.

Inspired by a keynote presentation on “AI and the Future of Humans” by futurist Niclas Hermansson at a recent event by Avaus called AI beyond the Hype, this blog post explores the four superpowers that can help us remain relevant in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, and Communication. These also made me think as a parent, how I encourage these in my kids for the AI world they are growing up in. Not only as a parent, but how I also stay relevant in my career when automation is going to handle a lot of what I do, from data cleaning, advanced analysis, visualisation, and storytelling, which in itself is beneficial. But it does force me to be more creative and expand my big picture thinking, looking at what else and, how to create additional value.

Critical thinking?—?In an era of abundant information and increasing disinformation, critical thinking becomes a vital skill. According to Hermansson, AI will compel individuals to become smarter and exercise source criticism. As the sea of information deepens, it becomes crucial to step back, comprehend the bigger picture, and discern reliable sources from misleading ones. Developing critical thinking skills empowers us to make informed decisions and navigate the complex landscape of AI-driven information both at a personal and professional level.

Collaboration?—?The ability to work effectively with others becomes a superstrength in an AI-driven world, especially as the gig economy grows. Hermansson highlights that high emotional intelligence and the capacity to cooperate are increasingly valuable in the workplace. While technology has reduced the demand for high IQs, the power of human connection and collaboration remains unparalleled. Embracing collaboration allows us to harness collective intelligence, combine diverse perspectives, and tackle complex challenges in the AI age.

Creativity?—?Despite the advancements in AI technologies like Sora, Midjourney, Gemini, and ChatGPT, among many others, creativity remains a superpower. In fact, Hermansson predicts that by 2050, 40 percent of today’s professions will be automated, while others will require creative problem-solving skills. Standing out and finding innovative solutions to complex problems become essential for professional success. Cultivating creativity enables us to adapt, think outside the box, and leverage our unique human capabilities alongside AI-driven tools.

Communication?—?In an era of information overload, effective communication becomes a superpower to cut through the noise as well as consume the right information. Hermansson highlights that our brains process a staggering 100,000 words daily, but we only remember a mere two percent. Therefore, becoming a skilled communicator allows us to convey our ideas, insights, and value in a compelling manner. Mastering communication ensures that we can effectively share our knowledge, connect with others, and make an impact in the AI age.

The AI age is undeniably here and it is becoming more and more accessible to the wider public as well as becoming more user-friendly. By honing these skills, we can remain relevant, adapt to the changing landscape, and leverage the potential of AI to enhance our personal and professional lives.

How are you preparing?