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Matt's avatar

Great essay! Working in technology (software, in particular), it astounds me the degree to which the very decision-makers driving these "AI Initiatives" truly DON'T understand what AI IS, what it does WELL (and especially what it DOESN'T), and where it absolutely needs human co-working to be made even usable.

My "prediction" is that, over time, we will begin to see these well-entrenched companies that made such foundation altering decisions based on the two business myths of the 2020s (Offshoring + AI as Panacea) die the "death by a thousand cuts" via the lower quality of their products and services, critical (digital) infrastructural vulnerabilities, loss of goodwill in the eyes of their primary customer base, and more - all in a self-reinforcing downward spiral.

All that said, it's a great time to be a principled, enterprising individual who enjoys learning and creating, because I feel that many of the "best and brightest" among us will see this maelstrom and opt for a different path. I'm optimistic that we may yet see a "changing of the guard" within our lifetimes.

Tom White's avatar

"I'm optimistic that we may yet see a "changing of the guard" within our lifetimes." Yes, yes, yes. I too remain ever hopeful!

Wendy Zito's avatar

Excellent analysis 🧐 It must be challenging to have your insights and intelligence at times . Reminds me of Cassandra who was given the gift of prophecy but nobody was able to hear her. Sometimes I wonder if we are all run by our nervous systems more than being conscious ? Thanks for a deeply thoughtful article .

Tom White's avatar

Thank you very much, Wendy. You are far too kind! I'm no more than a humble, stooped scrivener trying to make sense of a world that is changing more quickly than we humans can process.

Guven Cagil's avatar

Timely. Very important article. Thanks Tom!

Tom White's avatar

Thank you for reading!!

Lex Hearth's avatar

Very much enjoyed

Tom White's avatar

Thank you!