"Expectations (Five Short Stories)" - How to Survive AI and Navigate Our Earthly Goals

"Expectations (Five Short Stories)" - How to Survive AI and Navigate Our Earthly Goals

In a world driven by anticipation and expectations, it's no wonder that the thrill of the unknown often surpasses the actual experience. Our minds are wired to constantly seek the next big thing, fueled by the release of dopamine. Even walking on the moon, a feat once thought impossible, left astronauts underwhelmed, highlighting the fickle nature of human expectations.

But what does this say about our own earthly goals and aspirations? Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment by constantly striving for something more? The truth is, every goal we dream about has a downside that is easily overlooked. We become so fixated on the end result that we fail to consider the journey and the sacrifices that come with it.

One of the strongest forces in the world is the resistance to change. People prefer to stick to what they know, even if it means continuing to do things the wrong way. The fear of being told that we've been doing things wrong can be paralyzing, preventing us from exploring new possibilities and growth. However, staying stagnant and resistant to change only limits our potential and hinders our personal and professional development.

In a similar vein, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing skepticism and concern about the future of human employment. Throughout history, every technological development has displaced people from existing professions, often rendering them obsolete. However, it is important to note that with every displacement comes the creation of new professions that require more sophisticated skills. This not only improves income and work standards for human employees but also highlights the value of human adaptability.

Microsoft has published a list of skills that will be crucial for human employees in 2023 to survive and thrive alongside AI. These skills include:

• 1. Flexibility: The ability to rapidly adjust to AI's integration in the workflow. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is essential for humans to embrace change and adapt their skill sets accordingly.

• 2. Emotional intelligence: The capacity to determine when to leverage a human capability instead of an AI capability. While AI may be efficient at certain tasks, there are still areas where human intuition and empathy are invaluable.

• 3. Analytical judgement: The skill to determine when to leverage an AI capability instead of a human capability. Understanding the strengths and limitations of AI allows humans to make informed decisions and utilize technology effectively.

• 4. Creative evaluation: The ability to evaluate content produced by AI. As AI becomes capable of generating content, humans must possess the critical thinking skills to assess its quality and relevance.

• 5. Intellectual curiosity: The drive to ask AI the right questions. Curiosity fuels innovation and progress, and leveraging AI as a tool for knowledge acquisition can unlock new possibilities.

• 6. Bias detection and handling: The capacity to evaluate AI fairness in decision-making. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and humans must be vigilant in identifying and addressing any biases present in AI algorithms.

• 7. AI delegation (prompts): The skill to direct AI with the right prompts. Effectively utilizing AI requires humans to understand how to provide clear instructions and prompts to achieve the desired outcomes.

As we navigate the integration of AI into our lives and professions, it becomes evident that the relationship between humans and technology is not one of competition, but rather one of collaboration. While AI may be able to perform tasks as well as, if not better than humans, the question remains: what for? The unique qualities that make us human, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, are still irreplaceable.

In conclusion, managing our expectations and adapting to the changing landscape of technology are essential for personal and professional growth. By embracing change, honing our skills, and leveraging our innate human capabilities alongside AI, we can not only survive but thrive in a world driven by innovation. The key lies in recognizing the value and potential of both ourselves and the technology we create, forging a harmonious relationship that propels us forward.