Open letter to upcoming or recent grads…

Hey there,

I can see you're standing at the edge of a dense fog, the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), feeling a bit apprehensive about stepping into the unknown. It's much like finding yourself at the edge of an unexplored forest, shrouded in thick mist, with only ominous headlines and stories telling you about the scary creatures - in this case, job-taking robots - that lurk within.

However, remember every time humanity has ventured into new territories, like during the explorations of the New World, the Industrial Age to the Information Age, we've found a way to navigate, adapt, and thrive. This uncharted journey into the AI landscape is no different. Rather than standing on the edge, afraid of the fog, let's learn to navigate this forest together. This open letter is meant to serve as a compass to guide you to opportunities that lie hidden in the mist.

So, why should you care about AI? Whether you're planning on becoming a programmer/developer or not, the impact of AI applies to everyone.

1. AI is Everywhere: You might not realize it, but you're probably already using AI in your day-to-day life. Whether it's Spotify recommending a new band based on your listening habits, Google predicting what you're going to search before you finish typing, or Amazon suggesting which book you should read next, AI is all around us. By understanding how these systems work, you can make them work better for you.
   
   Key takeaway: Just like oxygen, AI is invisible but omnipresent, subtly shaping our experiences and choices in ways we often don't realize.
   
   
2. Career Opportunities: Whether or not you become a programmer, understanding AI can open doors for you in various industries. Knowledge of AI is highly sought after in fields such as marketing, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and many others. Having a basic understanding of AI and its capabilities can give you a competitive edge.
   
   Key takeaway: Understanding AI is like having a passport that can potentially give you access to opportunities in a vast array of fields.
   
   
3. Making Informed Decisions: AI and its ethics will be a big part of our political and social conversations in the coming years. By learning about AI, you can participate in these conversations and make informed decisions that shape our future. Whether it's voting on policies that govern AI or advocating for ethical AI practices, your knowledge can make a real difference.
   
   Key takeaway: Gaining knowledge about AI is akin to gaining a vote in the critical decisions that will shape our society's future.
   
   
4. Empowerment: AI can at least help and in some cases empower us to solve big problems. From climate change to healthcare, AI has the potential to provide solutions that were once thought impossible. By understanding AI, you can be part of these exciting advancements.
   
   Key takeaway: Like a master key, AI can unlock solutions to challenges, and understanding it empowers you to be part of these exciting breakthroughs.
   
   

As the fog lifts on AI, the path forward becomes a little clearer; it's time to translate this understanding into action. It's about taking your first steps into the AI landscape with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. So, let's gear up for the journey ahead and discover how you can start embracing the possibilities of AI. Ready to embark on this journey? To get started, here are some steps you can take:

• Be Curious: Keep asking questions. AI is a broad field with so many areas to explore. Find a topic that interests you - it could be anything from AI in movies and music to AI in healthcare or the environment.
  
  Taking Action: Start by simply asking Siri, Alexa, or Google about AI, and see where that initial question leads you. A more advanced option would be to explore ChatGPT, Claude, Bing Chat, or Bard.
  
  
• Educate Yourself: You don't need to be a programmer to understand AI. There are plenty of resources out there for non-programmers. Books, online courses, podcasts, and articles can provide a wealth of knowledge.
  
  Taking Action: Try signing up for a free online course about AI - sites like EdX or Coursera have a range of options designed for beginners.
  
  
  • University of Pennsylvania
    • AI Fundamentals for Non-Data Scientists
    • AI Applications in Marketing and Finance
    • AI Applications in People Management
      
      
  • Google
    • AI for Everyone
      
      
  • IBM
    • AI Foundations for Everyone
      
      
  • Harvard
    • Intro to AI with Python
      
      
• Keep an Open Mind: Remember that technology is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. AI is not inherently good or evil, it's how we use it that matters.
  
  Taking Action: Engage in a discussion with friends or family about AI, exploring its potential benefits and challenges together. Here’s a few questions you could pose to help start those conversations:
  
  

1. How do you think AI is already affecting our lives without us noticing?
2. What jobs do you think AI might create that we can't even imagine right now?
3. What do you think are the ethical implications of using AI? How can we ensure AI is used responsibly?
4. How might AI change the way we interact with technology, each other, and the world around us in the future?
5. What safeguards do you think should be put in place to prevent misuse of AI?
6. How do you think we should prepare ourselves or the younger generation for an AI-driven future?
   
   For example, it is not only acceptable, but wise to discuss the full range of possibilities with AI: both the good and the concerning. Regarding question 3 and 5 above, a discussion on that could consider the following points:
   
   

The ethical implications of AI are wide-ranging. They include concerns about privacy, as AI often relies on large amounts of data, some of which can be sensitive. There are also fairness issues, as AI systems can unintentionally perpetuate or even amplify biases present in their training data. To ensure responsible use of AI, we need to prioritize transparency, ensuring that AI systems can be audited and their decisions explained. We also need smart regulations that protect privacy and promote fairness.

• Embrace Change: Technology is constantly evolving, and it's important to adapt with it. Embracing AI doesn't mean you have to give up on being human - it's about using the technology to enhance our human capabilities.
  
  Taking Action: Consider how AI could enhance something you love - for instance, how could AI improve your favorite video game or make your favorite hobby even more enjoyable?