The Rise of AI: Opportunity or Obstacle for Gen-Z

The rise of AI has been nothing short of an eye-opener in recent times. What was in sci-fi movies 10 years ago is now a reality that is being used everywhere: on our phones, web browsers, and even social media platforms. When people talk about AI, it’s usually either with excitement for the opportunities it brings, or for fear of the future. AI can do so much already – essays, art, videos, photos – almost anything you can think of. But while all this seems positive, it brings up a worrying concern. For those of us about to head into college and choose a career path, what does AI mean for our future? Will our future jobs even exist by the time we graduate?

Here's an example: just a few years ago, if you were to have studied computer science or any tech-related degree, it was almost guaranteed that you could land a six-figure job straight out of college. Tech companies were desperate, and the demand for entry-level positions was huge. However, once AI became as widespread as it is today, it became a totally different story. AI can do most of the tasks those entry-level workers used to do — from basic coding and debugging to designing solutions and complex algorithms, AI today is very effective and efficient at doing these tasks that were so in demand just a few years ago. It turned what once was an easy hot-ticket to the tech industry and a well secured high paying job into one of the most competitive and hardest job industries, especially for entry level positions.

And this doesn’t just apply to tech, either. AI is quickly developing into other fields, like finance, law, and even medicine. Careers that were once considered reliable and solid are quickly changing. And the scary part? There's no telling how heavily AI will impact careers because, truth be told, AI will impact every single job. Even now, the entry-level market is shrinking. The most logical explanation to this is that as AI continues to grow, it becomes more accessible, cheap, and efficient at performing many of the simple, mundane tasks – such as data entry and task organization – that rely on pattern recognition and data-driven decisions. For us, the senior students of today, this can be a lasting concern as we head forward with our education. What path do we choose to ensure we survive and avoid ending up on the streets?

While all this can be overwhelming, here’s what I think we should remember. Even though AI can seem to be the enemy, if used correctly, it's a tool that empowers our capabilities. To make it out in an age where AI is everywhere, adapting to it will be the winning factor. Just as our parents adjusted to using telephones and now touchscreens,we too will be able to assimilate. AI in our future will just bring a different value to the work we do, with less routine tasks and more creative roles, where skills such as human connection, emotional intelligence, and ethical choices will be more valued. Your takeaway should be that the people who will thrive won’t be those who know everything, but those who are willing to learn and refashion to anything. In the end, AI means anything that we make it to be for our future. It's up to you how you want to interpret it, but the best way is to view this not as beating AI, but learning how to adapt and grow with it.