A.I. May Just Be Kind of Ordinary
Back in 2023, as ChatGPT reached 100 million monthly users, many were anxious about artificial intelligence turning into something out of a sci-fi movie. Around the same time, a survey by researcher Katja Grace revealed that between one-third and one-half of leading A.I. experts believed there was at least a 10% chance that A.I. could cause human extinction or a similarly catastrophic event.
Fast forward a couple of years, and the mood has shifted. While some still predict a sudden leap to superintelligence—sometimes optimistic, sometimes alarmist—A.I. is increasingly seen as just another technology settling into everyday life. This pattern echoes past experiences with nuclear weapons, climate change, and pandemic risks, where initial alarm gave way to a more measured understanding.
From Extraordinary to Everyday
Last year’s big A.I. essay painted a picture of humanity entering an alien universe dominated by superintelligent machines. But this year, a more grounded perspective has gained traction. In April, two Princeton computer scientists published "A.I. as Normal Technology." They argue that A.I. should be viewed as a tool—one that humans can and should control without needing drastic policy changes or breakthroughs in technology.
This approach encourages practical management of A.I., focusing on integration and oversight rather than fear of an uncontrollable force. It stresses that A.I. is not a separate species, but a set of tools that fit within existing social and technical systems.
What This Means for IT and Development Professionals
- Expect steady integration: A.I. tools will continue to become part of daily workflows rather than sudden game-changers.
- Focus on control and governance: Managing A.I. responsibly is more about good practices and policies than waiting for breakthroughs.
- Stay informed and skilled: Understanding how to use A.I. tools effectively will be key. Consider exploring practical courses on A.I. applications and prompt engineering to stay ahead.
For those interested in expanding their skills with A.I. tools and practical training, resources like Complete AI Training's latest courses offer focused content on applying A.I. in real-world scenarios.
Overall, the best approach is to treat A.I. as an evolving set of tools that augment work and life, not as an unpredictable force beyond control.
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