The Associated Press reports on people who struggle to accept and comprehend Artificial Intelligence. The real challenge is said to be for the "older Americans." The focus of the story is
"adults - many of whom lived through the advent of refrigeration, the transition from radio to television, and the invention of the internet."
This group is struggling with AI, what it means in the near term, and tellingly "how do you know if its fake or not." That question is seemingly a popular inquiry as we begin to dip our toes in the AI pond. There are many who see beauty in these waters, some who fear serpents lurking just under the surface, and others who are unsure what they are looking at or what it might mean.
Now, I am not that old, but I have been to a house that had a real icebox. I don't remember the age of radio, but I do remember a world without personal computers, the internet, and more. A lot has changed in my lifetime, and more change will come. I hate change, and yet I am diving into dealing with it.
There are reportedly classes being taught for seniors as they strive to both arm themselves with the advantages of AI while they learn of the pitfalls and serpents. There seems little choice in the advent of AI, it is here. The seniors are particularly "susceptible to both scams perpetrated using artificial intelligence and believing the types of misinformation that are being supercharged by technology."
There are pitfalls, questions, skeptics, and fans. There is much to learn. The article is enlightening because of the historical perspective discussed. Certainly, it is easy to commiserate with these seniors and their struggles.
That said, they are not alone in their wonderment and curiosity. The fact is that AI is new to us all. We are each going to face change, personal and societal, from this new technology. It will be as disruptive and restricting as the internet, the personal computer, and the smartphone. It is possible that AI may alone wreak more change and discomfort than those three combined.
Some of the seniors have the luxury of rejecting it. One candidly departed a senior's class with an honest and straightforward "it's not for me." Perhaps some can live fruitfully without AI impacting, but I am dubious.
The described feelings reminded me of the great opportunities next week in Orlando. The Workers' Compensation Institute includes some great technology insight, including AI. I am not able to link to the breakouts for you, as the program online is somehow tied to an app rather than individual URLs. So, the PDF program is linked with page number references for my fellow Luddites.
There is a fantastic program on Monday afternoon at 1:15 - Harnessing the Power of AI in the Medicolegal Realm: Practical Insights and Applications (page 22)(Grand Ballroom 8A). I was supposed to speak on this panel, but they substituted in someone smarter. If you want to hear someone that really understands AI and what it will do in legal settings, attend this session. My wife, Pamela Langham, has been studying this revolution and will enlighten you. As if being smart is not sufficient, she is also prettier and funnier than I am.
I will also address AI at the WCI, but on Tuesday at 9:00 Dr. Christopher Brigham has recruited me to a panel that also includes Connor Atchison, Ben Nwachukwu, Joel Raedeke, Karen Yotis, and Ken Eichler. This will address the "transformative upheaval" and the "pivotal role played by the AMA Guides" (page 41)(Grand Ballroom 8A). Much is happening with integrating new processes, AI, and significant human intellect. If your profession touches on injury, remediation, and impairment, this is a must-see.
Wednesday offers a full buffet on technology and AI, a full morning presented in conjunction with WorkCompCollege.com and their team. This morning of perspectives will include tech that empowers recovery, myths about AI, tech innovations in claims, and a roundtable for "frank discussions on technology today and tomorrow" (page 54). This runs from 8:30 to 12:30 in Grand Ballroom 10-12.
All this reminds me of a great scene in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke exclaims he is not scared. The wise Yoda replies "you will be." We will all be scared by some element of AI. There will be some for whom the mere change is enough. Others will be taken in or taken advantage of. But, in the end, AI is here. So, take a lesson from all the seniors who are striding into the breach. Come join one or all of these discussions and at least find out what you should be thinking about.
Maybe you will be like others who conclude "This is not for me." Or, perhaps you find yourself challenged, intrigued, and wanting more. The programming outlined above should help you in that personal journey. Come join us to get a taste of the buffet, and an inkling of what is here and on the way.