The frenzy of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating between opportunities, scams and superficiality

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought a lot of opportunities, advancements, and excitement. However, along with its potential, the hype around AI has also attracted opportunists who exploit public enthusiasm and limited understanding of the technology.

It is important to take advantage of the opportunities that AI presents and learn to navigate the ever-changing landscape safely, avoiding scams, trends, and people who instrumentalize the topic without providing meaningful or genuinely valuable content.

A new world of opportunities.

Every new innovation or technological evolution brings opportunities, and AI is no exception. It levels the playing field, democratizing access and allowing people from all walks of life to participate in cutting-edge technology.

By jumping on the AI bandwagon, individuals can propel their careers and improve their lives, but it is crucial to do so with caution and discernment.

We can foster a more equitable and inclusive future driven by technological advancement. However, it is essential to approach this with an emphasis on smart education and a focus on genuine, value-added content in our conversations.

The usual suspects.

• Questionable university programs and master’s degrees. Several universities and educational centers have begun offering Master’s programs in AI, capitalizing on the growing demand for trained professionals in that field (curiously, they didn’t offer these courses three months ago). However, not all programs have the necessary resources, teachers, or infrastructure to offer a quality education. Before enrolling, scrutinize the university’s reputation, faculty credentials, and course content. Make sure the program is up-to-date, comprehensive, and aligned with industry requirements. Every day we will see more and more ads and campaigns on machine learning and artificial intelligence. Very similar to the flood of titles from “Project Managers” and “MBA” factories, which we all know end up being dead weight on a resume instead of real knowledge and skills.
• Copy-pasting “Top 10” on social media. The trend has generated a lot of “top 10” lists or Buzzfeed-style posts on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. While a few may offer valuable ideas, the majority (95%+) lack substance and are only “copy and paste” tactics created solely to generate traffic. Another list of “special prompts for Chat GPT” or “Check out these amazing tools that will change your day-to-day life” is not what we need as a society.
• Misleading promotion of tools. Many people promote AI tools without providing expert advice on their practical applications, use cases, or integration into existing technology stacks. It is essential to distinguish between genuine endorsements and superficial promotions. When evaluating tools, factors such as compatibility with the current systems we use (tech stack), ease of use, pricing, return on investment, and the tool’s ability to meet specific needs must be considered.

Click-baits, attention-seekers, influencers, career coaches, and digital “experts.”

As AI continues to revolutionize various industries, many professionals in digital marketing, sales, and technology have adapted their resumes to showcase their involvement with AI technologies. While some of these professionals possess the necessary knowledge and experience to deliver results, others may be capitalizing on the hype without truly understanding the complexities of AI or how to develop and implement effective strategies.

It is important to call out these practices for what they are: instrumentalization and opportunism.

Instead, let’s look for direct sources of knowledge (especially in an industry that is being very transparent about its advances) and thought leaders who demonstrate genuine expertise and commitment to the ethical and responsible adoption of AI.

It is essential to be demanding when seeking guidance or partnering with professionals in these fields, as the success of AI-related projects often depends on the expertise and competence of the people involved, not just the “magic” of the tool. To avoid falling for empty promises, consider taking the following steps when evaluating potential collaborators:

• Request case studies.
• Ask for clear and defined implementation paths.
• Verify with previous clients the work ethics, problem-solving skills, and ability of the professional in question.
• Inquire about the approach towards AI, copyright, and ethics.
• Inquire about updates on the latest technology advancements.

The importance of case studies, updating the technology stack, and comprehensive strategies.

Incorporating AI into industries requires a responsible and well-planned approach to ensure that businesses and society can fully benefit from its potential, minimizing risks and unintended consequences. Responsible AI adoption should involve the use of case studies, continuous technology stack updates, rigorous research, and the development of solid business strategies.

Case studies play a crucial role in understanding how AI has been successfully implemented in various industries, allowing organizations to learn from others’ experiences and adopt best practices. Additionally, prototyping is the best way to measure whether a tool or technology is truly transformative for our business. This allows organizations to make informed decisions, streamline the adoption process, and minimize trial and error.

Regularly updating our business’s technology stack is essential to ensure that companies take advantage of the most advanced and suitable AI tools available. This involves staying informed about the latest advancements in AI, evaluating new tools for compatibility with existing systems, and integrating these tools in a way that maximizes their potential. Addressing the possible ethical, legal, and social implications that may arise from the use of new AI technologies comes hand in hand with their use.

Responsible research is fundamental to the successful adoption of AI in industries. This includes conducting thorough due diligence on AI providers, tools, and methodologies, as well as monitoring the impact of AI implementations on key performance indicators, employee productivity, and overall business outcomes.

Some additional recommendations for navigating the new and crazy seas of AI.

• Verify the credibility of the source: Verify the author’s background, experience, and affiliations. Look for reputable organizations, academic institutions, or well-established publications.
• Evaluate the depth of the content: Look for detailed explanations, examples, and well-founded arguments rather than superficial content full of buzzwords.
• Participate in online communities and forums: Join relevant communities on platforms such as Reddit, Stack Exchange, or specialized forums where experts and enthusiasts discuss and share reliable resources such as “You probably need a robot,” “Midjourney,” “OpenAi,” and “ChatGPT Community” on Discord.
• Use social media intelligently: Follow thought leaders, researchers, and industry professionals on platforms such as Twitter or LinkedIn (CEOs and experts from OpenAi, Microsoft, Antrohopic, Meta, and Google, or content creators like Matt Wolfe on YouTube), always verifying the credibility of the authors and exercising caution with clickbait or self-promotion.
• Visit AI organization websites: Reputable organizations such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and AI Now Institute often share research, publications, and resources that provide reliable information on AI. Reading ChatGPT’s System Card, for example, is necessary to understand how safety and training parameters for the tool are established.

The AI landscape offers numerous opportunities, but it is crucial to navigate this rapidly evolving field with caution and discernment. By maintaining a critical mindset, seeking credible sources, and demanding transparency, we can not only contribute to a better future driven by AI but also avoid wasting time on empty content (especially when we need to seize the momentum).