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TB#47: Use AI or Get Used by AI

2023-11-25

“The teenagers of today will have zero willpower left by the time they’re 28” -someone online

First off, it’s good to be “AI-curious” – there’s no doubt it’s the way to the future.

But let me just ask you one thing: Do you ever have a feeling that you are being watched or listened to? Sometimes when you just talk about random stuff, the same thing appears in the ads somewhere online the next hour.

The algorithms are everywhere. They are following your every step and analysing your every move. And the scary thing is that they are two or three steps ahead of you because they know everything about you.

The Dangers of the Puppet Show

All the AIs already running the social platforms online are the modern puppet masters. And you are the puppet.

There is absolutely zero chance that if you are roaming anywhere in the digital world that you can avoid them.

But all these algorithms are not inherently bad. Oh no, in many ways they are our best bet to build a better future for everyone on this planet.

Well, not perhaps specifically the ones running the social platforms…but AI in general.

Anyway.

In the world of online wonderland, the main purpose of these algorithms is to keep you scrolling and devouring content, regardless of what that content is for as long as possible

The more you spend time there, the more someone makes money off of the ads you are seeing.

It’s scary. You think you’re in control. But you’re not. You’re being force-fed stuff.

And the teenagers? Well, there’s a direct link between mental disorders and social media use. Think about that.

It’s bad.

Really bad. And nobody cares. There’s money to be made.

Plus these algorithms 100% shape your preferences, opinions, and even your self-worth.

So your best bet is to…

Escape the Scroll Hole

The endless scroll. The endless dopamine hits. The digital equivalent of a candy store (for kids).

How wonderful!

Let’s make one thing clear: Limiting time in social media is not just “a good idea”.

Oh no, limiting time on social media is an absolute must for your wellbeing and productivity.

Don’t believe me?

Do a test.

Spend a full hour scrolling Twitter or LinkedIn or Facebook.

And tell me how you feel.

I can guarantee you’ll feel like s**t.

N=1 testing is this simple!

I know I know: what if you miss an opportunity!!!???

You won’t. And screw your FOMO anyway. We’re so scared of missing out on the latest cat video that we keep checking our phones.

And by doing that missing out on the world. You know, the real world. Remember that one?

  1. Get out of social media
  2. Start focusing on one task at a time for 1-2 hours
  3. Watch your productivity and life satisfaction roar

But what’s this got to do with AI?

Nothing. And everything. The first step to mastering the use of AI is to not be its slave.

And the three steps above are all it takes to kick out your current master.

And once that’s done, it’s time to…

Use AI for What’s Good for You

Start tinkering with generative AI. You know, ChatGPT and the likes.

  • Take this one: https://www.deeplearning.ai/short-courses/chatgpt-prompt-engineering-for-developers/
  • Buy the plus version of ChatGPT or get some other tool specifically tailored for generating code
  • Learn to create amazing content with any of the tools
  • Master an AI based video editor
  • Learn to analyse datasets with AI
  • Master automation of all the online AI tools with platforms like make.com
  • Create art with AI

Anything is better than being a slave to the also!

Recap of The Box this Week:

  • Just open your eyes: AI is everywhere and there’s no dodging
  • The traditional way of just disconnecting and focusing on one task is worth gold
  • Once you master that, move on to tinker with AI, to CREATE, not consume!

About the author 

Simo Hosio  -  Simo is an award-winning scientist, Academy Research Fellow, research group leader, professor, and digital builder. This site exists to empower people to build passion projects that support professional growth and make money.

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