When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, I don’t think anyone fully grasped how quickly things would change. Within months, AI had worked its way into classrooms, boardrooms, and everyday life — not as some distant sci-fi concept, but as something people were actively using to write emails, study for exams, and run businesses. The speed of that shift is what makes it so hard to get a handle on. We’re still figuring out what AI is good for, and already it’s reshaping how we think, work, and learn.
So where does that leave us? Should we be pushing back against AI, or learning to live with it? I’ve gone back and forth on this, and honestly, I don’t think the answer is as simple as picking a side.
On one hand, AI significantly increases productivity, which in turn drives economic growth and improves overall quality of life. It also enables people to acquire knowledge at an unprecedented speed, making learning more accessible than ever before. With such advantages, it may seem unnecessary to fight against its development.
However, the issue lies in the growing overreliance on AI. As people depend more on it, they may begin to lose essential skills. This includes reduced creativity, shorter attention spans, and a decline in intellectual curiosity. For instance, students who rely on AI to complete assignments may no longer engage deeply with the material, ultimately weakening their ability to think critically and solve problems independently without the use of AI.
To add, generative AI has been increasingly used in scams, contributing to the rise of cybercrime and posing greater risks to the public. This misuse highlights how powerful technology when left unchecked, can become a tool for harm rather than progress.
I read a report the other day on how the impact of AI on employment is another major concern. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, up to 300 million jobs could be displaced by 2030 due to automation. While this figure may not represent permanent job loss, it does indicate a significant shift in the global workforce. As a result, many students are now choosing their university majors based on how relevant they are to AI. This reflects a growing uncertainty about the future, as individuals attempt to adapt to an increasingly automated world.
Environmental concerns have also been raised by multiple parties. This is because AI systems require substantial computational power, which in turn demands large amounts of energy and water for cooling. Critics argue that this could negatively impact ecosystems, especially as AI usage continues to expand globally.
Despite these concerns, it is important to consider historical patterns. Technological advancements have always led to the displacement of certain jobs, but they have also created new opportunities. Therefore, while AI may disrupt existing industries, it is likely to give rise to new fields that we cannot yet fully predict.
In my opinion, AI should not be “fought against,” but rather regulated and used with clear boundaries. Students, entrepreneurs, and professionals can all benefit greatly from it, but excessive reliance must be avoided. School systems, specifically, should encourage AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for independent thinking.
Ultimately, AI is neither entirely good nor entirely bad, it is a tool. The real issue lies in how humans choose to use it. If managed responsibly, AI has the potential to greatly enhance our lives; if misused, it could lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, the goal should not be to resist AI, but to control and observe it throughout its expansion into our contemporary lives.
What’s your take on AI?
Jaden W (wmjaden3@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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