AI: PANIC!

The Wall Street Journal features how AI leaders and CEOs have flipped the messaging about this supposed game-changing technology. The shift has been from Debbie-Downer on how AI will significantly reduce jobs to optimism about job creation + productivity gains. Meanwhile, economists can't agree on the labor-market impacts and more.

A comment to that article captures the mood and the motivation for a new story:

"Big AI is panicking. The big players are worried that the negatives are creeping up on them and their fantasies of being the Holy Grail of tech and huge profits. Right now AI depends on constant investment... data centers... water... energy... Now investors and public alike are starting to wonder which one of these items will run out first and kill off AI. A challenge that AI can't answer.... because they have no answer."

Obviously, the perfect storm of negative public opinion, caution of investors and disappointments about current ROI on AI investments has done what it always does. That is, showcase those big voices as mere propaganda machines, not sources of insider information and insights. Expect some of those heads to roll as the AI industry and other businesses ship in fresh voices. 

The reality now is the same as it has been since the beginning of the history of mankind. No one knows what will happen in the next hour, day, week or decade. The Cave Man who survived couldn't afford any illusions about how the hunt for dinner would turn out. 

Of course, there has always been some fragile psyches which needed to grab onto magical thinking that there are knowns. 

In my coaching, currently I am encouraging clients to pursue employment and to create startups in aspects of AI. Simultaneously, I warn the ambitious not to be get comfortable. As with an increasing number of lines of work, this one could have an unexpected short shelf life. Smirk. I recall how the supposed experts pontificated, "They will always need writers." We former writers know what happened to that certainty.

Career Paths? So Over. It’s about Earning a Good Living. No matter what.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Street-smart Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.



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