Humanity in the Exponential Age

Beginning of 2020, I started a newsletter called “Humanity in the Exponential Age”.?

Why??

One reason goes back a few years when I became aware of the exponential nature of technological advancements.?

Still in Australia, I shared my insights with my audiences at my workshops and keynote presentations using very visual models and experiences (like the 30 steps).?

Back then, people were amazed about the impact of exponential developments but went back to their desks with the idea that this “will not impact my work”.

And the second reason is very simple. Throughout my whole career, I always put the human in the center. I was almost more interested in developing individuals and teams than achieving outcomes. Of course, that should go hand-in-hand but I was a strong believer in looking at individuals, their interests and strengths to form a larger team.?

That also led me to the launch of my Disciplined Disruption Podcast many years ago. I discussed with my amazing guests the intersection of digital disruption (or emerging technologies) and personal transformation. I remember one episode where we already discussed AI and Ethics.?

Now, we are at the end of 2023. A year which I believe, we will remember as a major breakthrough.?

The Year 2023 and the Emergence of GenAI

Peter Diamandis talks about the “User Interface” moment that helps technologies to a breakthrough. Good examples are the browser or the iPhone.?

And this year was the first full year for another interface - ChatGPT.?

Why is this so relevant? Suddenly, our regular words and sentences can connect to the AI behind the models. You do not need to know how to code anymore to access the LLM’s.?

There is a reason why McKinsey names Generative AI (not AI in general as we discussed in previous issues of this newsletter) the number 1 topic (out of 8 top topics) for CEO’s for 2024.?

I know of companies (agency businesses) who discuss and plan a reduction of workforce by 50% and more because these new tools can take over so much of the heavy lifting.?

It is fair to say that this isn't just another tech trend; it's a paradigm shift. GenAI is revolutionizing how we create, learn, and interact. From art to coding, GenAI tools are becoming indispensable. But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility.?

How do we harness this power without losing the essence of human creativity and intuition?

The Case for Humans

In this tech-centric era, it's crucial to remember the irreplaceable value of human touch.?

Our empathy, emotional intelligence, and ethical compass guide technology towards beneficial outcomes.?

As AI systems become more advanced, their decision-making processes grow complex.?

Here, human oversight becomes vital to ensure that these decisions align with our societal and moral values. Humans bring context, understanding, and a sense of purpose that AI, as of now, cannot replicate.

The topic “Ethics and AI” from above is increasingly important - maybe time to review (or listen to) the podcast episode again.?

Furthermore, these tools will only give access to the benefits when humans know how to use them. ChatGPT is great but only when you know how to use it (how to prompt and what to use it for and what NOT to use it for).?

This is even more true when you consider digital transformation powered by Automation and AI - two topics that go hand-in-hand together.?

I recently read about a great distinction between three ways to use AI:?

• Point solutions: AI replaces a current technology to solve a specific problem. For example the writing of headlines or email copy in ChatGPT
• Application solutions: This is a slightly wider approach of applying AI to a situation or problem. An example would be the creation and publication of an article. You cannot do everything with GenAI but it can play a key role?
• System solutions: This is where digital transformation comes into play. Changing processes or complete systems only works with humans and driven by humans.?

I would like to quote Peter Diamandis again who said:

“AI is not replacing jobs, but Humans using AI are replacing humans who do not use AI. “

How Humans Plus AI Can Create Impact and Change

Given the exponential development of AI tools, this will open new ways to tackle the challenges of our world - from climate change to sickness to hunger.?

Think back to the beginning of the Internet. Initially, people used it as a simple replacement (catalogue or scenario 1 from above).?

Slowly, new models emerged and parts of organisations changed.?

And finally, new business models evolved like Amazon, Uber or AirBnB to name just a few.?

The same will happen with the increasing use of AI and Generative AI.?

We have vast amounts of data on many aspects of life. And AI will open the doors to the insights stemming from the data.?

One example which applies to many areas is the increasing level of personalisation. We will have individual healthcare based on your specific situation and lifestyle. Pretty much everything around us will be personalized and will “know us” and our preferences.?

And yes, there are a lot of questions around privacy data security. The European Union made a first big step this week to address this topic. Also this will evolve over time.?

Embracing the New AI-Powered World as a Human Being

So, how do we, as individuals, adapt to this AI-powered world??

First, by embracing lifelong learning. The landscape is changing rapidly, and staying informed is key.?

Secondly, by enhancing our uniquely human skills – creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. These qualities will become more valuable as AI takes over routine tasks.?

And finally, by actively participating in discussions about AI ethics and policies. Our voice matters in shaping a future where technology uplifts humanity, rather than undermines it.

As we navigate this exciting yet challenging era, let's remember: technology is a tool, and we are the artists. It's our vision, values, and humanity that will ultimately shape this new world. Let's make it a masterpiece.

Looking forward to our next conversation.?

I plan to pick up the above mentioned newsletter on “Humanity in the Exponential Age” and I would love to hear from you what you would like to read about and what questions and topics I should address. Reach out to me! Thank you!

Have a great weekend.

PS: Partially supported by ChatGPT