Participation Leads to Hope

Computer Scientist Dr. Fei-Fei Li told Kara Swisher in a recent episode of her podcast On that she only feels hopeful about the unleashing of AI across society when she feels she is "participating in the change."

"If people like me and you, Kara  — we're not powerful or extremely rich [and Dr. Li is a female and a minority] — if people like us feel like we no longer have any say or any way to participate then the hope will be gone. But right now, as a researcher and a technology leader, I'm working with students who always make me feel hopeful. I'm working with civil society. I'm working with policy makers. I'm working with industry. And right now I'm still holding the hope. I'm not letting go of the work, therefore I'm hopeful. If I feel there is no place for people like me to participate, then that's the beginning of trouble."

If you're a paralegal, a kindergarten teacher or an HR professional how can you participate?

Play with the tools. Start with a search-generative tool like PerplexityAI or Microsoft CoPilot. See how it can help you manage your home or your kids or plan your next vacation.

Next, advance to testing how it handles different aspects of your job which, yes, can be as scary as waiting for lab results from your doctor. But ignorance is never bliss.

Taking a class with other humans is always a good way to feel more supported and less alone in times of rapid change.

Finally, read Dr. Li's latest book, "The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI." It encourages people of different backgrounds to "join in the learning and feel the hope in the doing."

Source:"Fei-Fei Li and a Human Approach to AI," On with Kara Swisher" (Replay: Jan 14, 2024).