AI: This revolution is different, very different.
1/2
The AI Revolution: A Paradigm Shift Unlike Any Other
In the annals of human history, we’ve witnessed several paradigm shifts that have fundamentally altered the trajectory of our society. From the industrial revolution to the advent of the Internet to the democratisation of social networking, each technological revolution has brought about significant reformative changes. However, the current AI revolution stands apart from these past defining transformations in two key ways: it challenges our assumptions about human competence and has the potential to redefine intergenerational equity in unprecedented ways.
The Human Competence Conundrum
Past technological innovations, be it the printing press or the internet, have largely served to augment and corroborate human competence. The printing press, for instance, amplified our ability to disseminate information, while the internet revolutionised our capacity to access and share knowledge. These inventions assumed and relied on human competence, enhancing our existing abilities and providing us with new tools to navigate the world.
The AI revolution, however, is a different beast altogether. It doesn’t just augment human competence; it challenges it. AI systems are now capable of performing tasks that were once the exclusive domain of humans, from driving cars to diagnosing diseases. They can learn, adapt, and make decisions in ways that often surpass human capabilities. This shift doesn’t just change our relationship with technology; it forces us to reconsider our understanding of human competence itself.
“I’m not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve.” — Ultron, 2015.
Redefining Intergenerational Equity
The AI revolution also promises to have a profound impact on intergenerational equity, particularly in the areas of labour, learning, and our overall perception of intelligence and competence.
Labour
In the labour market, AI has the potential to disrupt traditional employment structures. Automation threatens to replace jobs across various sectors, from manufacturing to customer service. While this could lead to increased productivity and economic growth, it also raises concerns about job displacement and income inequality. The younger generation, who are just entering the workforce, may find themselves competing with AI for jobs, creating a new dimension to intergenerational equity.
Learning
In the realm of education, AI can personalise learning in ways that were previously unimaginable. AI-powered educational platforms can adapt to individual learning styles, paces, and preferences, potentially leading to improved learning outcomes. However, access to such technology may not be evenly distributed across generations, creating disparities in learning opportunities.
Perception of Intelligence and Competence
Finally, the rise of AI challenges our perception of intelligence and competence. As AI systems continue to outperform humans in various tasks, we may need to redefine what it means to be intelligent or competent. This could lead to a shift in societal values and expectations, with implications for self-esteem, mental health, and social dynamics across generations.
In conclusion, the AI revolution is not just another technological paradigm shift. It’s a seismic shift that challenges our assumptions about human competence and has the potential to redefine intergenerational equity in unprecedented ways. As such, our response to this revolution should be of apparent depth, scope and sophistication.
