I was requested to speak at an event in Gothenburg this autumn and share my thoughts on how AI might shape our future. However, I had to pass on this opportunity due to previous engagements. Nevertheless, I have been pondering this question for some time, so I’m writing down my ponderings instead of creating a talk about it. I will enjoy going back to these philosophical thoughts in 3 to 5 years and evaluating how the world developed.

The executive summary of my thoughts on how AI will shape our future
 

• Generative AI is overhyped
• Limitations in data and perspectives will persist for years to come 
• There is value to society but it needs to be addressed
• New skills needed – creativity and polymathy 
• AI pushes a shift in mindset 
• Humans will be multi-talented architects rather than specialists 
• The changing landscape for the future of work  (entry jobs in marketing are disappearing as I type this)
• The future of prompts? 

Generative AI is overhyped

Artificial general intelligence and predictive analytics with the help of AI is where we will unlock true value for both humanity and companies. Generative AI is based on and limited to the data it’s based on. An LLM (like Chat GPT for example) can handle large amounts of data. Still, it’s limited to the data available to the model. Generative AI can be very helpful for someone who has experience and domain expertise within a specific field. If you give a senior developer access to generative AI in their work they can 10x their output. If you provide a junior developer with the generative AI available now, you have the opposite result.  Hence – generative AI is overhyped from my perspective. On the other hand, as a tool for learning something, I’m sure it can provide societal value if used right. 

Limitations in data and perspectives will persist for years to come 

Generative AI is limited to the data that is available and combines the data in various ways. If the data input is of low quality, the lack of quality can be amplified and create serious damage. As in the case of Amazon, when they tried to create an automated system for evaluating CVs in their hiring process. Since the CV database contained mainly male CVs, the system automatically removed any female applicants. We don’t have any bias-free data as yet. The current data mirrors humanity’s current state of affairs – and it is not always pretty. 

There is value to society but it needs to be addressed 

Generative AI is focused on coding/development, and stealing copyrighted works from various artists and writers. Instead of targeting complicated verticals that can make a difference. Such as tax laws, and laws in general to help people without the means to navigate the system. Or on a governmental level, here in Sweden, you can replace the job centre with tech such as AI-powered systems. 

Many of these governmental agencies are administrator units in Sweden, shuffling people through a system and producing statistics. Sweden’s healthcare system is overwhelmed and dysfunctional, there are so many opportunities to help nurses and doctors with the available technology, however as far as I’m aware right now, there is no governmental progress in this field. 

One case in Sweden that I want to highlight is a person using AI to assemble all the available, open documentation and records on how our taxes are spent and on what. To identify improvements. I want to see more projects like this! 

Skills we need to develop: creativity and polymathy 

If I have to identify two crucial skills that humans need to add value in the workplace of the future I would first say creativity. To be able to identify solutions, like an architect. To visualise possibilities and then use tech and data to create something. An ability to identify how 1 + 1 = 9, which takes me straight to the next ”skill”.

The second skill is maybe not a skill per se, but more a talent that people with a curious and open mind have and is closely related to creativity which is polymathy. To be a polymath you need to go beyond curiosity and read, practise or immerse yourself in various subjects. Then identify how to combine knowledge and skills from vastly different fields into something new. Aka, 1 + 1 = 9.

AI is a shift in mindset

To be successful where we are heading we need to be able to hold more than one perspective in our minds at the same time. That two opposing “truths” or “perspectives” can be true/valid at the same time. With the average person’s consumption of social media and addiction to devices, I think we as a society have a way to go, as the social media environment and the media landscape in many countries around the world have a limited perspective of “two sides”. Whereas a coin has three sides. And if we open our minds enough – we can identify that many more sides of that coin exist simultaneously. 

Humans will be multi-talented architects rather than specialists 

What I see in the future is that we use technology to become creative strategists with immense possibilities to create something new at our fingertips. Humans become architects of solutions and creations that add value. 

The changing landscape for the future of work 

If I am to ponder the possibilities of careers right now. I see certain roles disappear. My field is marketing and business development, I don’t see specialist roles such as entry-level digital marketing specialists, junior graphic designers and junior social media or content specialist roles being something that is going to be available very shortly. As well as just plain “communication” roles. As soon as the adoption rate of generative AI increases, many of these roles will disappear and be replaced with new professions. Let’s take the various Ads Managers, where you purchase ads on platforms such as Meta, LinkedIn and Google. There is no need for basic graphic design skills anymore as the platforms can create ads from an existing content library paired with historical performance data, data on the target audience and so forth. Therefore entry-level specialist roles within marketing are already obsolete. The platform now creates ads and optimises the performance of campaigns on its own. 

On that note, I’ve been lecturing at a Marketing School here in Gothenburg, it’s disconcerting to see some students who don’t understand that generative AI affects their job prospects and entry into the marketing vertical. The job market in Sweden has changed and it will be a challenge for some to get their first job in this type of environment. 

Hence the need to develop creative skills, one’s thought processes, polymathy and interpersonal communication and presentation skills for young professionals.  

The future of prompts? 

Looking back to when I was young and first saw a computer (green screen and white text and that was it) and fast forward to today, we have developed new interfaces for how we interact with computers. From the iPhone to how Nintendo has developed (originally a card game) to today. Therefore I think that prompt engineering is not a “profession” that will be around for long. 

Also, I think “prompt engineering” is a creative way or word for being specific and able to convey what you want from someone else. It’s not that advanced, it’s just that many people lack that type of skill. Unfortunately.

In closing

I think AI is very exciting, I’m able to learn and create much faster and access other perspectives to improve what I am writing or creating in just a few minutes. I would love to work with creating value on a larger scale with a company or organisation’s data to achieve specific results. I also see so many valuable applications in society already. Hopefully, with the current rate of development, we can solve some big challenges and create better lives for people all around the world.