AI: A Short Explanation
What is artificial intelligence & how can you stay ahead?
Artificial Intelligence. AI. Artificial intelligence is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more. AI is trained by using large amounts of data. Smart people build intelligent machines to be smarter (and faster) than them.
New technology in general is coming whether you can accept it or not. And it isn’t really all that new, well the idea of it. You probably have memories of watching The Terminator series as a kid growing up. You know… Skynet being created and becoming so smart that it takes over the world and attempts to wipe out human beings? Yeah, that movie series. Artificial intelligence has always been a thing, it has just NEVER been this smart, this fast, and this reliable… until now. We are in a new age of human and computer history and it is best we pay attention, VERY CLOSELY.
We have all been inundated with AI within the last 365 days at the minimum. You can’t use anything without being asked if you want an AI assistant or look up anything online without seeing “results generated with the help of AI”. Artificial intelligence is the new (old) kid on the block and it is here to stay.
Billionaires run the world today. That is just the brutal reality of it. They control the markets we all spend our money in, and they’re invested in artificial intelligence across the board. If you look at how they’re running things, you can see they are ushering in a new era with more reliance on computers and less reliance on human beings and physical bodies in buildings working for a livable wage. This isn’t a doom and gloom post. This is a post to enlighten you of what’s to come but to also help you position yourself ahead of the pack so that you won’t get left behind by 2050.
What are the different kinds of AI and where do they rank?
Narrow AI (also known as weak AI): AI designed to complete very specific actions; unable to independently learn. Examples of this would be the AI virtual assistants you see all over the internet today or facial recognition.
Artificial General Intelligence (also known as AGI): AI designed to learn, think and perform at similar levels to humans.
Artificial Superintelligence: This is the stuff you’ve only seen in movies; AI that is able to surpass the knowledge and capabilities of humans. This type of artificial intelligence will be able to do things BETTER than humans.
Reactive Machine AI: AI capable of responding to external stimuli in real time; unable to build memory or store information for future.
Limited Memory AI: AI that can store knowledge and use it to learn and train for future tasks.
Theory of Mind AI: AI that can sense and respond to human emotions, plus perform the tasks of limited memory machines.
Self-Aware AI: AI that can recognize others’ emotions, plus has a sense of self and human-level intelligence; the final stage of AI.
The Hypothetical Stages of AI Evolution
Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) → Basic tasks. What we’ve been using for the past couple of years. This where we are currently (so they say).
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) → Machines as smart as humans. The future of AI (where we are headed in the very near future, some would argue that we have this now just not released to the general public at the moment).
Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) → Machines smarter than humans (speculative future). Everything after this is speculative and rests on how far the previous stages go (based on being trained by the very human beings they will replace).
What can I do to stay ahead?
As AI continues to advance, the key to staying ahead is developing skills that complement AI rather than compete with it. Here’s a roadmap to future-proof your career:
1. Focus on AI-Resistant & AI-Augmented Skills
While AI will automate many tasks, it will also create new opportunities. These skill areas will remain valuable:Human-Centric Skills (AI struggles with these)
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to interpret AI-generated insights and make decisions.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – AI lacks empathy; roles requiring leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills will thrive. Get into management! Being able to manage many people from different backgrounds and with different personalities is a great skill to have.
Creativity & Innovation – AI can generate ideas, but humans excel at original thought, storytelling, and artistry. AI models need humans to generate prompts to tell it what to do and what to create. It needs someone to tell the idea, the storyline, what the characters look like, what time of day it is, and so on so that it can create what it needs to create.
AI-Augmented Technical Skills
AI & Data Literacy – Understanding how AI works (even at a basic level) will be crucial in any job. AI still needs to be created and managed by someone that understands how it runs at its core.
Prompt Engineering – The ability to effectively interact with AI tools to get optimal results.
Cybersecurity & AI Ethics – Protecting AI systems and ensuring ethical AI usage will be major fields.
Software Development & Automation – Python, cloud computing, and machine learning knowledge will be in high demand.
2. Stay in AI-Proof or AI-Enhanced Careers
Some jobs will evolve, and others will become more valuable due to AI:Safe & Evolving Careers:
AI/ML Development & Engineering (for those technically inclined)
Healthcare & Biotechnology (AI-assisted diagnostics, robotics in surgery)
Cybersecurity & AI Governance (protecting AI systems, ethical AI development)
Creative Industries (storytelling, marketing, UX/UI, game design)
Skilled Trades & Hands-On Work (electricians, plumbers, mechanics, roofers—harder to automate)
Business Strategy & AI Implementation (helping companies integrate AI)
High-Risk Jobs (More Likely to Be Automated):
Data entry, bookkeeping, and repetitive clerical work
Routine customer service (chatbots replacing simple queries)
Basic coding (AI-assisted programming is advancing fast)
3. Learn How to Work WITH AI
Become AI-Savvy – Start using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or automation software relevant to your field.
Upskill Continuously – Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer AI-related courses.
Follow Industry Trends – Stay updated on how AI is reshaping your industry through tech news and blogs.
4. Develop an Adaptive Mindset
The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn will be the most valuable skill of all. Those who stay flexible, keep learning, and embrace AI as a tool rather than a threat will thrive.