Maile Hunt
AI is like the new neighbor that just moved in right next door —unfamiliar, mysterious, a little different. And now we’ve got two choices: welcome it with some healthy caution, or dive right in and make it our new bestie. Both paths are equally scary, but I opt for the former; Team slow-and-steady all the way.
There is no denying that our world is growing and shifting at the speed of light. Our need to share information and work collaboratively isn’t just convenient anymore, it’s paramount to our very survival. Covid, rising violence, and wildly unpredictable weather patterns have taught us that we can't continue to live in our own bubbles, disconnected from one another. Our need to work harmoniously together is vital now more than ever, and not in spite of our disagreements, but because of them.
AI, in many ways, is a barometer of the human condition. It is born from all of us; our thoughts, our insecurities, our knowledge, our discoveries, and our likes and dislikes. AI is only as accurate as we make it, and our inputs will be harshly graded by AI's accuracy. The dreaded red letter grade we used to get from our teachers will rear its ugly head in our everyday lives through misinformation and falsities spreading through our communities, states, and countries.
The saying "you are only as strong as your weakest link" holds great truth. Businesses small and large, leaders soft-spoken and loud, people young and old need to be mindful of what we say and do. AI is listening, learning from us every day.
Our world is special because we exist in it. The human race is irreplaceable. Laughter, love, anger, happiness, and loss are all of what make us unique, and human. All of us are on this beautiful earth for a finite period of time. What we do as individuals and as a collective leaves a lasting imprint on the future.
And, as with all relationships, it takes time to grow and trust. So, let’s welcome our new neighbor slowly, thoughtfully, and with kindness and deep awareness. We share one world. And how we grow into this next chapter is really up to us.
