ChatGPT launched 3 years ago. Back then the model was clunky and could be detected. In five years it will be indistinguishable from human thinking. This is the age we are living in–one where human thinking is quickly becoming obsolete. Instead the value of people will be linked and graded based on Network Capital, which is “a concept in sociology and economics that refers to the value created by social connections and relationships. It represents the resources, opportunities, and advantages you can access because of who you know and how well you are connected.” That definition is courtesy of ChatGPT. That definition argues for a return to a very old model of human connection not seen since the invention of the telephone. It is going to be about who you know and it already is about how long you can keep someone’s eyes on a screen.
We’re headed in this direction and it is too late to stop it. This is not me being negative, but me being a realist. So the question is this: How do we survive this wave? Well, if you’re in an industry where cognitive process is at the core–especially in the public sector–get out while you can. If you need to ride it out till your retirement, better hope to retire in ten years or less. The world moves faster than it used to and we’ve raised several generations of simplistic bottom line thinkers. School teachers are already being replaced by AI, because the reliance on testing is beginning to fade in many sectors. The idea that you won’t have access to these tools while doing anything is fading into myth. Doctors are going to have the assistance of AI and robotics in all phases of the job. So will lawyers. Brokers already rely on these tools. Look at the commercials on TV. What is being preached is how to have seamless integration. These are the steps forward people are waiting for. We have the software and need better hardware for integration.
Listen to Emad Mostaque. He’s worried we’ll lose what we call reality in 1000 days. I fear he may be on to something. Look what’s happened in the first 1000 days of the technology being publically available.