Creating a Platform for Humans Amidst AI Advancements
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Chapter 1: The Value of Handmade
Imagine traveling back two centuries. You might say to someone, “That’s a nice shirt you have on.” They’d likely respond, “Nice? It’s quite warm! Would you like me to make one for you?” You might be surprised, “You mean purchase one?” And they’d clarify, “No, I’ll knit it for you myself.” You could then joke, “If you come back with me to the future, you'll make a fortune selling handmade shirts!”
Fast forward to two hundred years ahead. A stranger greets you, “Hey Kook, what are you up to?” You reply, “Kook?” They laugh, “Oh right, I learned that from historical texts; it’s like saying ‘dude’.” You explain, “I’m composing an article.” They ask, “You mean generating?” You clarify, “No, I’m writing it by hand.” They’re impressed, “Are you an artist? Is that for sale? Wait, do you actually use pen and paper? That could fetch a high price!”
It’s important to note that I invest 96% of my time into my newsletter, which has garnered 750k views and 12k readers. If you wish to connect, here’s a link to join my network. Embrace being the black sheep rather than the elevator operator—there's a crucial difference between the two. A black sheep stands out from the flock, while an elevator operator's role has become obsolete.
In our current era dominated by AI, I’m taking an unconventional stance. I’m investing in human-generated content.
Section 1.1: Embracing Human Creativity
The first step is to dismiss your worries about AI. Play along with me for a moment and assume that AI will exceed our wildest expectations in the future. It’s more capable than we can imagine and has already replaced many outdated roles.
AI-generated content will likely take precedence. For instance, there will be no need for governments to identify individuals as many tasks can be handled by artificial intelligence. The creative industry is increasingly filled with stunning AI-generated works, and while AI isn’t our adversary, that’s a long-term perspective—perhaps a century from now.
We are currently navigating what I term the “AI insecurity” phase.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Nature of AI Insecurity
For years, we've resisted cars in favor of horses. We clung to typewriters while rejecting computers. The same pattern occurred with cannabis, now legalized in many areas. Today, when discussing AI's potential to replace human roles, I encounter two types of reactions:
- Defensiveness—those who believe their jobs are irreplaceable by machines.
- Acceptance—those who acknowledge the inevitability of AI taking over.
This ongoing debate represents the essence of the “AI insecurity” phase. As AI applications multiply, a corresponding surge in demand for human-generated content will emerge.
Your friend might proudly share their new AI-generated book. As a skeptic of AI, you’d opt for a human-written one to validate your stance. In this scenario, both the AI book creator and the human author stand to gain.
This “AI insecurity” phase offers a fleeting opportunity to build a business focused on human-generated content. You could be selling the masterpieces of tomorrow, pricing them significantly higher than their AI counterparts.
Section 1.2: The Human-Powered Initiative
In light of this, I’ve begun experimenting with both AI tools for my startup and collaborating with humans to craft content. I’m branding this as a “Human-powered” enterprise. While it may seem absurd now—since everything is still “human-powered”—the trajectory indicates a future where fully AI-managed platforms prevail.
This approach will thrive only during the “AI insecurity” phase. Eventually, the demand for human-generated content will become so niche that only a select few can establish businesses around it, akin to the value of Picasso’s artworks—timeless and precious but less efficient than AI.
Chapter 2: AI's Growing Role
The first video titled "How You Become Irreplaceable In The Age Of AI" discusses the significance of human creativity in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
The second video, "How To Reclaim Our Humanity In The Age Of AI," explores ways to maintain our unique human qualities in the face of advancing technology.
Many companies are embracing AI in various capacities. For instance, BuzzFeed is leveraging AI to enhance their quizzes and interactive content in a bid to boost their business. Expedia is developing a conversational AI assistant to facilitate travel planning. Microsoft has integrated OpenAI’s services into tools like Word and Excel, allowing users to create presentations swiftly. Duolingo is implementing AI for more realistic language learning experiences, while Octopus Energy has integrated ChatGPT into their customer service, replacing 250 jobs yet improving customer satisfaction ratings.
Recognizing these trends unveils opportunities much like I see them. I encourage you to explore this and enjoy the richness of human creativity while it lasts.
Let’s engage in dialogue! I invite your thoughts—do you agree with the notion of an “AI Insecurity” phase? Are you for or against it? Share your views in the comments. I’m Al, a business consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, committed to providing value to my readers. Connect with me on social media if you’re interested in my insights.