AI BYTES 101— The embrace between Human and AI as the Key to Our Future

Imagine you are in a world where everything technology-related is suddenly evolving at a faster pace, and artificial intelligence (AI) is now common. Millennials and baby boomers seem amazed and somewhat terrified at the innovations, while the younger generations, Z & Alpha, are on a path to embrace this diverse and multi-faceted world.

As we witness the shift in the global paradigm of values and behaviours, it is imperative to embrace this alternative future and integrate new, almost alien advances safely into human life as we know it. We need to evolve our understanding and skills, or risk being excluded from this next evolution of the human race and its own creations, deemed modern technology. Dangers lie ahead if avoided, with a cost — poor integration into an advanced society. We explore the evolution of education in A.I, utilisation and how integrating A.I effectively can be a benefit rather than threat.

The AI Education Revolution:

Now, imagine only knowing a technologically enhanced world. This will be the reality for Gen Alpha (anyone born after 2011) — a report conducted by GWI hypotheses that Alpha will be most embracive and mindful of A.I technology where millenials and baby boomers will remain the most concerned and somewhat superstitious about technology generally.

What does this mean? It is quite likely that Gen Alpha will model less fear-based behaviours towards A.I as a result of their fascination and friendly familiarity towards it. This warm reception automatically encourages a curiosity allowing them to educate themselves with a reduced level of fear, moving towards greater mindful behaviours elevating their lifestyle, whilst being able to distinguish between the AI component and the human experience. This perspective demonstrates the possibility of:

1. Doubts and fears around A.I are due to our lack of familiarity with it.
2. Adopting a mindful attitude and behaviours with use of A.I in day to day life can assure that we live an enhanced human experience
3. Empowerment with newly procured knowledge, how we use the technology behind it and its outcomes whilst reducing privacy risks, increasing safety and security through education, rather than its lack thereof.

As we progress through this unknown territory, it is important to understand what can be done to improve the effectiveness and safety of A.I so that we can benefit from all the new innovations coming our way.

1. Get Educated: Leverage the abundance of online resources and expand your understanding of AI concepts and applications to preconceptions or news flash views you may have on A.I & VR. Industry giants like Google and HubSpot offer a wealth of free courses on AI, empowering individuals to grasp the fundamentals of A.I.
2. Up the Mindfulness: Leaning towards mindfulness behaviours and resourceful attitudes will facilitate us to maintain a safe and positive human experience with A.I. such as investing in your physical and mental health, spending time in nature and building connections with friends, family and like-minded communities and monitoring our technology usage.
3. Conquer Your Mind: Incorporating meditative practices, adding Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Therapies or other forms of personal development modelling that can support you in living a good life and expanding your intuitive thinking.
4. Maintain Basic Digital Hygiene: keep devices updated. As privacy and safety improvements evolve, offerings such as Google Protected Computing can keep our devices up to date with the most recent security applications. Closing unused accounts and changing your password every 6 months for high value accounts such as banking, work email, emails with access to sensitive information.
5. Increase Knowledge and safe exposure: Begin to familiarize yourself with A.I /Virtual Reality (VR) technology. There are companies which provide free learning platforms to explore the latest in VR technology. In addition, you can discover expos and events showcasing the latest technology and websites such as Product Hut showcasing some early models of the next wave of technology.

Looking Ahead:

As we dive deeper into the AI revolution, it is important to note the A.I potential for a brighter future. By evolving our education systems, emphasising mindfulness, privacy, and security, and empowering educators, we can shape a society that harnesses the benefits while safeguarding our human values.

If you liked this and want more, follow the The Polymath Collective for the next instalment of the AI BYTES series!

Resources:

1. Google AI Education: https://ai.google/education/
2. Gen Alpha: the real picture by GWI (2021)
3. HubSpot AI Academy: https://www.hubspot.com/resources/academy
4. Liao, Q., & Humphreys, L. (2022). The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Key Issues and Emerging Directions. Annual Review of Sociology
5. Mahadevan, P. (2019). Artificial intelligence and society. AI & SOCIETY
6. Prensky M (2016) Education to better their world. Unleashing the power of 21st-century kids. Teachers College Press (Columbia University), New York
7. https://partner.studentbeans.com/blog/retail-insights/gen-alpha/#title-1
8. Becky Lane & Christine Haven-Hafer (2023): Teaching the Teacher with Immersive Technology: Preparing the Next Generation of Educators at Ithaca College
9. UK: Gen Z and the metaverse, country insights (2023): Nokia-Ipos global, United Kingdom