The rapid evolution of AI has led some to question the value of an education, long-term savings, or even taking a mortgage to buy a house. They worry that AI might soon replace jobs, reach Superintelligence and either create a Utopia or a Doomsday for mankind. Such concerns are fueled by philosophers like Nick Bostrom, who suggests higher education might not pay off, and Professor Max Tegmark, who warns that “humanity is racing toward a cliff” and that AI might soon wipe out humanity.
Estimates and Possible Impacts
Current estimates from professionals in the field suggest a 73% chance of achieving AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) by 2075. Multiple technological breakthroughs and the resolution of bottlenecks are required to reach AGI. Even if AGI is reached, ASI (Artificial Superintelligence) is not guaranteed. So if you are expecting either Doomsday or Utopia, it will probably take a while.
The logical thing then is to focus on how to optimize the coming decades where AI will improve but not reach AGI level.
The extremes of Doomsday or Utopia aside, the AI evolution can still cause disruptions in the job market, energy sector, destabilize politics through disinformation and more. This can occur independently or in conjunction with other challenges like the climate crisis, energy transition, and geopolitical tensions.
AI could also lead to productivity gains and new breakthroughs that would benefit society and economic growth.
Enhance your Resilience
So disruptions, crises and even opportunities will come. The more prepared and resilient you are, the better you will handle them.
In the Job Market
Use AI to increase your productivity
In the short term, AI will not replace entire roles. Instead AI can enhance productivity, allowing workers to deliver more in the same timeframe. This can lead to more being done with the same number of staff or the same amount with fewer staff. Workers who can use AI effectively will have a market advantage. Start learning to use AI as a tool in your work now.
New Roles
The AI evolution will also lead to new career paths. Examples include prompt engineers and roles in AI safety and ethics. Stay informed about emerging career paths and consider transitioning into new roles created by AI.
Jobs Less Affected by AI
Some jobs will not be noticeably affected by AI in the near future. Caring roles in healthcare, childcare, and education will incorporate AI but are unlikely to replace many non-administrative personnel. Law enforcement, military, and blue-collar workers in general are other sectors that will be less affected. AI techniques will be used in these roles, but they will not require fewer people doing the actual work.
Invest to Gain from an AI-Powered Productivity Increase
Invest long-term in the stock market through index funds. If AI leads to a productivity boom, it will reflect in the stock market. However, it is impossible to know which companies will benefit the most. Having diversified investments will help you handle disruptions and, as a bonus, provide funds for retirement or other financial goals. You can get inspiration from how the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement invests long-term. Set it up and let it grow over the years.
Mental and Physical Fitness
Work on your mental and physical fitness. They are interconnected, so regular exercise will improve your mental well-being. Learn cognitive techniques to minimize worrying about things that are out of your control and instead focus on areas you can control or influence. Stoic philosophy offers techniques like the dichotomy of control, cognitive distancing, focusing on the present and more, which build resilience and inspire personal growth.
IRL Social Network
Strengthen your in-person social network. They can be a big help during hard times. Apart from the ability to help each other, you can also be sure that the person in front of you is actually a person and not an AI-powered bot with unknown intentions.
Basic Preparations for You and Your Family
Have basic preps at home that meet your country’s disaster preparedness recommendation. Usually, this means at least one week of water, food, and utilities for your family. Unexpected events, whether related to AI or other factors, can happen, and it’s just common sense to have a basic level of preparedness. Once you have it, you’ll have less to worry about.
Learn Continuously
Always seek to educate yourself and level up when the opportunity arises. This could be through college courses, online platforms like Coursera, or by reading non-fiction books. Social media does not count as substantial learning. Critical thinking is especially important given the amount of AI-powered disinformation. Developing this skill will help you discern credible information from falsehoods and make better decisions.
Conclusion
While the future of AI holds many uncertainties, ranging from Utopian to Doomsday scenarios further off in the future, the most practical approach is to focus on the coming decades where AI will improve but not reach AGI and ASI levels. By enhancing your resilience, staying informed, investing wisely, and continuously learning, you can better navigate the disruptions and opportunities that AI will bring.
So start now. Learn how to use AI tools, invest for the long term, build your physical and mental resilience, and strengthen your real-life social network. You will be better prepared for the future but also enhance your quality of life in the present.