Artificial Intelligence (AI) scares many people. I’m not yet sure whether I am one of them. At this point in its evolution, I don’t believe I am.
Here’s why.
New technology almost always has a scary aspect to it. Driverless cars? Doctors operating with the assistance of robots? And, don’t forget, that 150 or so years ago, many folks were terrified of the invisible, potentially lethal power of electricity.
New technology also brings about the fear of replacing people and their work. Again, in almost all cases, while some roles and jobs are reduced or are no longer needed because of technology, whole new industries typically develop for people to work in.
Sure, we no longer have switchboard operators, nor elevator operators, and we need far fewer factory workers, but we now have jobs like social media managers, web developers, and cybersecurity analysts that were not dreamed of a few decades ago.
I think AI will continue that pattern.
The real question from my perspective becomes who will be willing to master the use of AI to benefit their work and role?
Who will take the initiative to become the expert in prompting AI to create the most compelling case statements?
Who will care enough to become the virtuoso in engaging AI to help frame giving opportunities for their most generous donors with nuance, sophistication, and joyful accents?
Who will be curious enough to deftly utilize AI to enhance the artistry and presentation of their magazine’s design and content so that more and more people are reminded why your institution’s mission and vision for the world are critically important?
Who will take the initiative? Who will care enough? Who will be truly curious?
My sense, at least today, is that AI won’t replace us.
It will grow into a tool of enhancement for those who are willing to lean into the attributes that make us all uniquely human.
