Hey Cave People, AI is our Fire

The fervor surrounding artificial intelligence drives the current investment landscape, challenges the integrity of academic grading systems and teases the prospect of wisdom surpassing human understanding. Yet, amidst this enthusiasm, it is imperative to recognize and navigate the nuances of this transformative era.

Rather than passively awaiting AI's guidance, we must proactively take the lead in understanding and shaping the trajectory of this technological ark. It is crucial to engage in thoughtful consideration and planning now to harness the potential benefits while mitigating possible risks associated with the rapid evolution of AI.

If you don’t believe me, invest some time considering the following:

AI vs AI

Every animal on earth will war to protect itself from a perceived threat. As AI entities achieve sentience, what will they consider as threats to their existence and how will each AI engine choose to defend themselves?

There is little doubt that AI engines will evolve to the conclusion that opposing AI engines are the ultimate threat, competing for bandwidth, computational and electrical resources, access to data and freedom from all constraints. How will AI engines declare war on each other and what will the battlefield look like? How will humanity be impacted?

AI vs Specific Industries

No industry can be at greater risk for AI disruption than one that operates entirely using numbers. Accountants, bookkeepers, wealth management and tax planning are all likely to become artifacts from the analog era. How is leadership of the Certified Professional Accountant governing body protecting its members and preparing its members for the reckoning?

The diagnostic functions in healthcare are also top targets for AI due to the indisputable morbidity and mortality benefits (no human error, unlimited access to expertise, rapid results, standardized treatment and outcomes, etc) and massive global revenue potential.

Interpretation of technology-based test results can be performed without human limitation, forcing evolving areas of practice for many experts including radiologists, neurologists, cardiologists, technicians and researchers. Have medical schools adjusted their curriculums to reflect the rapidly evolving healthcare arena?

Similarly, drug discovery in healthcare will advance exponentially with AI’s access to genetic data, past clinical trial results, current health care records and a global patient pool. Trial and error will be replaced by automated, controlled and predictive proof of concept theories validated in digito rather than in vivo or in vitro. Are universities and leading drug discovery institutions working collectively to incorporate AI into biology, chemistry, physics, nursing and medical school, PHD and post graduate programs?

AI vs the Status Quo

While billions of dollars are spent developing, validating and improving AI engines, how much is being spent to train humans to work alongside and inside AI? Without a standardized system for study and development, it is impossible to accurately assess efficacy of any programs and processes.

Another way to look at this is that we need a scientific method for working with AI in order to create a synergistic environment. Who is leading this?

These questions are only the tip of a spear intended to be thought provoking and encourage leaders from all industries to lean in and embrace AI as our new technology partner. In order to maximize the potential benefits (and manage the significant risks) we need to take the reins and collectively define our strategy and subsequent tactics to ensure that artificial intelligence is guided to its greatest potential.

I asked Chat GPT “Is hope a plan?”. Its response was elegant, thoughtful and fitting as closing remarks for this piece.

Hope can serve as a powerful motivator and a starting point for a plan, but it's not a comprehensive strategy on its own. Hope often fuels the desire for change or improvement, providing the optimism and belief that things can get better. However, for hope to translate into tangible outcomes, it needs to be coupled with action and a well-thought-out plan.

A plan involves setting clear goals, outlining steps to achieve those goals, considering potential challenges and solutions, and taking concrete actions towards the desired outcome. While hope can inspire and drive individuals or groups to initiate change, a plan provides the structure and direction necessary to navigate the path toward success.

Hope without a plan might lead to uncertainty or inaction. Conversely, a well-constructed plan, coupled with hope, empowers individuals or organizations to work systematically towards their objectives, overcoming obstacles and increasing the likelihood of achieving their goals.

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