The push for artificial intelligence in our everyday lives is starting to feel less like a choice and more like a quiet takeover.
Nearly every platform and profession is adopting artificial intelligence without clearly explaining what it means for the future of technology or how it works.
Businesses are using AI to automate tasks, while advertisements are being generated by AI, shaping the way we interact with products and services.
According to NASA’s definition, artificial intelligence can refer to a system, software, hardware, or a combination of all three that can make decisions and adapt to changing situations from data.
AI can mimic human behavior with little human input, creating the illusion of perception, reasoning and communication, according to the same source.
As AI becomes more widespread, the boundary between true human creativity and machine-generated output grows increasingly unclear, sparking important questions about authenticity and control.
We’re seeing it more in job listings, influencer content, and advertisements all labeled with AI as the next big leap in innovation.
In 2024, Coca-Cola released a series of holiday ads that were later found to be AI-generated, according to a Forbes article.
The AI-generated Coca-Cola ads came off as lazy and impersonal, particularly from a brand that has the resources to create thoughtful, collaborative content with real creatives.
More corporations are adopting AI at a faster rate, often using it to replace human labor rather than integrating it as a supportive tool.
The rise of AI has become impossible to ignore, especially when thinking about future careers.
It no longer feels like a tool only for engineers and data scientists when almost every job listed on LinkedIn I see has AI in the job title.
It has quickly become a foundational part of communications, marketing, healthcare, entertainment, education, and more.
As AI systems become more integrated into every aspect of our lives, it feels as though we’re slowly losing control over our data, and it’s unsettling to think how much is being harvested without clear transparency or consent.
While the potential for efficiency and innovation is enormous, there’s a real concern about how much of our private information is being accessed and used without our full understanding.
Deepfakes, for example, are increasingly the fear around AI integration as the industry for AI content continues to expand.
In the job market, the rise of automation also fuels anxiety, with the concern about being outpaced by technology.
With more companies relying on automation, decision-making software and AI-generated content, understanding how the technology works feels required.
Some universities are beginning to offer AI as a major or concentration for college students, according to a March 2, 2024, CNBC article.
This move highlights the growing recognition of AI’s central role in shaping future industries.
Growing up amidst the rapid evolution of digital technology, expectations for what we should be learning or what could revolutionize everything are constantly shifting.
This constant evolution can be exciting, it often leads to confusion and anxiety, as it becomes harder to predict which skills will remain relevant or essential in the future.
The reality is that AI is poised to shape the next generation of both the workforce and education in digitally concentrated fields.
In a 2024 McKinsey & Company global survey, 72% of respondents said their organizations or businesses use AI in at least one way in their work.
The fast integration raises concerns as AI is adopted without clear guardrails, making it easier for misinformation to spread, data to be exploited, and creative work to be taken without credit.
Larger companies are more likely to manage these risks, especially in cybersecurity and privacy, according to the same McKinsey & Company survey.
AI shouldn’t be treated as a shortcut for creativity or critical thinking, especially in college and the workplace. It should be a tool to enhance learning and productivity rather than replace the human effort and originality those spaces are built on.
As the influence of AI continues to grow, President Donald J. Trump recently signed an executive order on Jan. 23 aimed at rolling back AI-related policies introduced by the Biden administration, as stated on a White House webpage.
According to the same webpage, this shift is meant to remove barriers to AI growth and allow companies to operate more freely.
The current administration’s approach suggests a strong belief in minimal regulation, favoring an environment where businesses can experiment and scale AI solutions without government control.
Encouraging innovation is important, but without clear guidelines and accountability, artificial intelligence could advance in ways that harm individuals and communities.
The risks of AI, including bias in algorithms and the lack of clear decision-making processes, underscore the need for policies to protect consumers.
The global competition for artificial intelligence dominance may seem urgent, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of ethical practices and our right to our information.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to remember that development doesn’t have to be about speed, but about making sure that the systems we build are designed to last.
Without proper regulation, we risk a future where AI innovation outpaces its ability to impact society positively.
