Thinking Two Steps Ahead

We live in an ever-changing world. As each day progresses, new changes come into the world. Mankind is blessed with innovative minds to create and develop. Decades ago, the world was struggling with development, using people for manual labor. Decades ago, lots of people lost their lives because there were no technological advancements and people had to do things manually. Let’s use coal miners as a case study. Before technology became as profound as it is today, miners extracted coal using shovels, hammers, axes, and lamplights to see in the tunnels (at least, that's how they portray it in movies). However, with the emergence of technology, things became easier for coal miners. Today, there are steam-powered machines and electric lighting that make the job easier. With this, it is evident that we live in an ever-changing world. As we continue to develop, so does our mind, which in turn leads us to develop innovations.

With the developments mankind has experienced in the past few years, it is safe to assume that technology has almost reached its vertex. A decade ago, there was nothing like Artificial Intelligence. However, flashback to 3 years ago, AI became a thing that seeped into different aspects of the world. The first time I heard of AI was in 2021. I was finding it difficult to answer. I had explored every nook and cranny of the internet, and although I had answers to the assignment, they were not detailed. While ranting to my friends on Discord, one of them recommended I try Chatgpt. Lo and behold, I was extremely impressed when it gave me a detailed answer.

Artificial Intelligence is a double edged sword. While some see it as a “savior,” others think it is a weapon that will lead to the destruction of humanity. Well, I am of the school of thought that it is both. I am a student and I can attest to the fact that AI has been useful for me- it helps me break down and understand complex courses. Thanks to AI for always interpreting and giving an outline to complex assignments. On the other hand, it is scary what AI can do. That is why I am not against those who say AI will eventually lead to the destruction of humanity.

Sad as it is, the truth is that, although AI is capable of doing wonderful things, ever since its invention, it has made so many courses and jobs irrelevant. How do you think people would feel when they spend 6 years in elementary school, 6 years in high school, and 4 years (or more) in the university to study a course, only for them to get replaced by an AI? The truth is that whether some courses get replaced or become irrelevant due to AI, some jobs will still go into extinction. That has always been the order of things as long as mankind can remember.

In my country, there are many courses that are considered “useless”, not because they have been replaced by AI, but because people struggle to make a living off it. Over here, courses like medicine, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, and some others are more prestigious than others. The educational and economic system is so messed up that employment opportunities are only open to students who study these courses. The best thing to do if you think your job or course will be replaced by Artificial Intelligence is to think two steps ahead.

“Never be caught unfresh.” I came across this quote some time ago. It means you should never be caught unready. If you think your job is “not as useful as others,” think two steps ahead before the worst happens. One of the ways to think two steps ahead is to learn a skill. In today's world, there are so many digital skills that’d put you on top of the “food chain.” Equip yourself with these skills before it gets too late.