Summary

The author reflects on their career in technology, from the 1970s to the present, discussing the evolution of tech from word processing systems to AI, and offers a reassuring perspective on the integration of AI in the workforce, emphasizing the importance of human intelligence and adaptability.

Abstract

The author, who began their career in the 1970s by building and selling microprocessor-based word processing systems and sales management systems for IBM PCs, has witnessed several technological shifts. They have transitioned from teaching word processing and database management to facilitating ideation and lecturing on AI. Despite concerns about technology replacing human jobs, the author emphasizes that each technological advancement has led to the creation of new, well-paid skills and opportunities. They highlight the complexity of human intelligence and the challenges of replicating it with AI, noting that current AI tools like machine learning and deep learning are excellent at pattern recognition but true AI remains a "pipe dream." The author also touches on historical fears of technology, from the Luddites to the present, and argues that our dependence on technology for basic needs is undeniable, especially in the face of climate change and supply chain disruptions caused by events like the COVID pandemic. They suggest that future survival may involve a return to human-led communities with basic technology, ensuring jobs for all survivors.

Opinions

The author is not worried about AI, viewing it as a tool that can be managed and utilized effectively by humans.
There is a recognition of the cyclical nature of concerns about technology replacing jobs, dating back to the industrial revolution.
The author believes that despite the hype and misinformation, AI is not a threat to human employment but rather an opportunity for new skills and improved services.
They point out the limitations of expert systems in capturing tacit knowledge, echoing Michael Polanyi's sentiment that "we can know more than we can tell."
The author advocates for the importance of human intelligence, which they argue is too complex to be fully simulated by AI.
They suggest that our reliance on technology is inevitable and beneficial, especially in the context of global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
The author promotes a positive outlook on the future, anticipating a shift towards human-led communities that will necessitate employment for all.
They recommend an AI service, ZAI.chat, as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), indicating their support for practical AI applications that enhance human capabilities.

I’m Not Worried about AI.

Cycles of History concerning worries about Jobs and family.

There is hope in timeless beauty that overcomes worldly concerns. Picture by John Rose.

Started business 1970's Built and sold microprocessor based word processing systems, Later early IBM Pc’s with sales management system written for Insurance group.

Early days before internet now taken for granted, Client’s staff often voiced concerns about being replaced by PC’s, Found myself teaching word processing and managing records using my database system, Showed owners how to explore and use client’s data to improve service, Client’s staff learnt new well-paid skills.

My career changed, Insurance Groups had me designing database systems based my experience working with clients, Worked with users, Training staff, Helping improve business opportunities, Worthwhile skills, Very marketable.

Then came expert system hype, Worked on them, Pain-in-posterior, Capturing and replicating someone’s expertise ignores people’s tacit knowledge, “We can know more than we can tell.”, Despite bleedin’ obvious training issues expert systems persisted.

Now we’re all about AI, Intended to simulate human intelligence, Human intelligence’s complexity never precisely described so achieving true AI more pipe dream than fact.

However tools like machine learning and deep learning have been developed from AI research projects. Excellent at recognising patterns like facial recognition or acts of fraud in large financial systems.

Still there’s hype and misinformation flying around, Now I facilitate ideation and lecture, Still helping and talking to people on how to use and be the boss of AI.

Now after fifty years still helping and counselling people about not getting replaced by some sort of gizmo machine.

Some Thoughts.

Fear of technology started beginning of industrial revolution with luddites over mechanised looms.

Simple fact our burgeoning population is utterly dependent upon applied technology for supply of life’s necessities, Need convincing? Consider supply chain interruption during COVID pandemic and prolonged lockdowns.

Climate change is causing disruptions, Devastating fires, Drowning floods, Killer droughts, Extreme weather, We will be returning to human led communities using basic technology for future survival, All survivors will definitely have jobs!

Blessed be.