AI for GEN Z – Friend, Foe, or Frenemy?
Gen Z may be biting more than they can chew!
So, what?
While the tech savvy new age legal eagle is on a roller coaster ride with Chat GPT, Perplexity, Gemini research / drafting tools, would it help them to increase their pay cheques or risk decreasing their critical thinking skills?
Recently, as part of TechBridge’s Scribere program, Scribere Samyukta was in a dilemma while using AI tools – we demystify her Quest to make AI a friend by engaging in this conversation with Anupam Sanghi, a TechBridge thought-leader with vast experience in shaping tech policies and competition law. This session tackled a pressing topic reshaping workplaces globally.?
At TechBridge, we are dedicated to sharpening the writing and research capabilities of our Scriberes and remain deeply invested in preserving their intellectual acumen. Through this TB Quest, we dissect the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly truths behind the big bets on AI tools, to answer the Quest of Gen Z:
How to tackle the twin effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Generation Z in terms of career prospects and work ethic and dynamics?
What are the potential benefits as well as drawbacks of AI integration into professional life, with specific emphasis on implications on salary conversations and cognitive development among young professionals?
In this TB Quest, we share the dilemmas faced by our Scriberes to see how Gen Z can leverage AI despite the discussed drawbacks.
Q. How is AI reshaping workplaces, particularly in the legal field?
AI is fundamentally changing how we work by automating routine and repetitive tasks. For instance, in law offices, tools like CaseText and LexisNexis allow us to search case laws and statutes in seconds, compared to hours of manual work. Another great example would be Kira Systems, which uses AI to review contracts for discrepancies or risks — a game changer for due diligence. And we tend to overlook that AI also improves accessibility for people who are differently abled, offering tools like speech recognition and transcription services. Be My AI, a feature of be my eyes (for visually impaired/differently abled individuals) works by providing detailed descriptions of images and answering questions related to those images in a conversational manner. It uses advanced image recognition technology to analyze visual content and GPT 4 powered natural language processing to communicate effectively. For Gen Z, who are digital natives, it offers quick and accessible solutions.?
The goal is to use these tools to increase productivity, but also to make the workplace more inclusive.
Q. When we choose to work on tools – how can we choose between long working hours for reading and making notes and the instant productivity and gratification that comes with AI? Should Gen Z be cautious about biting off more than they can chew when it comes to integrating AI into their careers?
The real concern is not about handling huge amounts of workload, it’s more about overdependence leading to “intellectual dwarfism” Essentially, while AI can feel like a shortcut to productivity, we also risk losing out on the fun, engaging process of critical thinking. This isn’t just about making work easier; it’s about how we continue to sharpen our intellect and maintain the creativity and judgment that only human brains can provide. So, for digitally native Gen Z with a temptation to outsource everything to AI — a balance has to be struck by using AI as a tool, not as a crutch.
Q. What does striking that balance look like?
The key here is to use AI to facilitate our thinking, not replace it. Gen Z can take advantage of AI tools, but they need to continue to hone their analytical and creative skills, perhaps by using AI to do the repetitive tasks and leaving the more challenging, complex decisions to their own thinking. Sure, Chat GPT can draft a contract, but the nuances of negotiation and understanding client-specific needs still require critical human judgment. The human element is irreplaceable.
Q. AI also seems to be tying into another big conversation in the workplace – salaries. Reports show that 89% of Gen Z believe mastering AI can boost their earning potential. Do you think traditional degrees are becoming less relevant as AI powered jobs gain popularity?
Well, the short answer is: Upskilling is key. AI tools are definitely giving people a major boost in efficiency and creativity, which is changing the job market. But does that mean traditional degrees are dead? Not at all. Online courses, like those on Coursera or Udemy, are great for picking up niche AI skills like machine learning or NLP. But a traditional degree still provides foundational knowledge and a broader perspective, which remains critical in the legal field that deals with complex laws and policies that are constantly evolving. An AI tool cannot replace insights from experienced professionals and experts in their field who are also guest lecturers at universities.
Q. What are the human skills that would be particularly relevant during the overwhelming demand for tech expertise?
Curiosity to bridge gaps in laws and policies that may not apply to the present market scenario, researching on global practices that would help authorities in decision-making are critical.?
领英推荐
Today, understanding how governments and the private sector can co-create regulations, mitigate regulatory risks and protect stakeholders interests would need deep learning of applicable laws and policies, particularly in technology based industries. For instance, to understand the changing environment relating to tech laws and policies, our Scriberes have researched on issues relating to deep fakes, data privacy, artificial intelligence, the fate of the startup ecosystem, and something as novel as nudge and shove policies to regulate gaming and the new obligations on influencers other than their daily quota of viral dances.
A thrilling way to experience this dynamism is to attend conferences where you get to hear speakers across different disciplines and cultures. I always love the opportunity to speak in these conferences. Recently, at the LAWASIA Conference in Malaysia, we had a panel of competition lawyers from EU, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea while I brought in the Indian perspective on Digital Competition. It’s nourishing to engage in discussions on very well curated interesting topics on navigating the legal landscape and specifically, lawyering in the digital age!
Sharing glimpses of the sessions I enjoyed attending –
Up next is a Law and Judiciary Conference on India’s AI Landscape hosted by Microsoft, SILF and Lex Witness. We are truly in an unprecedented age where AI can be used to expand the access to justice and tackle the backlog in Courts. I am quite excited about what these conversations have to offer to the larger global discourse on Gen AI for Gen Z!
Q. What advice do you have for Gen Z to leverage AI without losing their edge?
Focus on continuous learning. The legal landscape is changing so fast, and continuous learning is key to staying adaptable. That’s where the TB Scribere program comes in. We encourage utilizing online courses, attending workshops as important ways to stay ahead of the curve. We conduct routine sessions and blogs on the latest happenings in tech and law. Another TB edge comes with connecting with and being mentored by important subject-matter experts to help Scriberes hone their skills and passions in the most organic way possible.?
Q. What does TechBridge do that facilitates mindful AI use amongst Gen Z?
At TechBridge, we empower Gen Z to navigate AI with a balance of curiosity and caution. Beyond our Scribere program, our bite sized yet dynamite packed TB Quest is a sure shot way for Gen Z to have a finger on the pulse on the newest developments in tech law and policy.?
For instance, towards the beginning of the year we had a discussion on the AI trends that would shape 2024 which really helped understand user behaviour and navigate this space accordingly. Later, we did interesting pieces on flimsy nature of the gaming ban, the newly created elephants and gorillas of the media market room, the BeReal nature of DeepFakes, whether digital competition regulations are hunting the unicorns of our economy into an endangered species, and navigating nudges and sludges in the attention economy.?
Read our TB Quest in 2024 –
Q. What is the key takeaway for Gen Z when it comes to AI and their careers in law?
TechBridge Thought Leaders prescribe a simple tri-fold takeaway :
Happy publishing from team TechBridge!?
As we step into a new world in 2025, we want to express our sincere thanks for your supportive engagement last year.
Wishing you a leaping start, we look at an inspiring year ahead in 2025!
Call for short bulletin essays for our 2025 Antitrust Symposium (Submit your essays by Jan. 30, 2025)
We are now accepting submissions of short academic articles (up to 1500 words) focused on how economic concentration of social media platforms can impact the marketplace of ideas. The best submissions will be published on the TechBridge website and will be invited to present and discuss their ideas at our Antitrust and Competition frameworks, which will take place in March, 2025.?
Deadline: January 30, 2025
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1 个月Let AI be a great AID and enable you to harness your potential further keeping in mind the ethical considerations Interesting read to kickstart the new year