You Don't Have to Pick a Side When it Comes to AI

Quite often our brains are lying to us in an attempt to protect us from possible rejection or failure. If we don't try it, we can't fail, so we give ourselves a reason not to try. We create false stories about why we can’t do that thing.

I find the whole obsession with AI baffling. Maybe my LinkedIn algorithm thinks I give a shit, which is why I see so many posts about it, but I really don't.

People either seem to be truly, deeply, madly in love with it, or convinced it is the devil's work.

I constantly see posts from people bragging about how they're using AI to do X, Y, and Z.

Congratulations, you've found a tool that makes life slightly easier. Guess what, I have a dishwasher because it makes life slightly easier for me - I don't feel the need to brag about it on social media.

I don't understand why people think finding a way to make AI do something makes them more intelligent than if they had just done the thing themselves. Did you invent the AI? No - you just learnt how to use it. Well done.

And in the same vein, I don't see the point in being all righteous because you have chosen to avoid AI like the plague (although I'll admit it's quite a feat to avoid it altogether, given that it is now embedded in so many things). But shouting about how awful it is and how anti-AI you are is pointless. Nobody cares, and it won't make a difference. AI is not going anywhere.

I get it - there are so many bad things about AI. The impact on the environment is a big one. The brain rot it's causing is another. And we're only just scratching the surface of its dangerous applications.

Do I think AI is going to have a seriously detrimental impact on society? Absolutely. Would I feed it personal financial details about myself or share my deepest, darkest secrets with it? Absolutely not.

But am I against using it completely?

No.

If I'm being completely honest, I am indifferent to it. Maybe a little ambivalent.

I tested ChatGPT when it was first getting loads of attention. It was a bit meh. I don't use it now.

I've never tried Claude, despite constantly hearing people rave about it. I just have no interest in it.

I tried learning about AI and signing up for AI news so I didn't "get left behind" - I found the subject boring.

But I do occasionally use some AI tools. I use Copilot now and then because it is included in my Microsoft package. I find it useful for some things, such as finding recipes, telling me how to solve a technical issue I'm having with my website, or gathering facts and stats (which I always check). I have also used it to summarise really boring articles I've found about stuff I think I should understand but don't find interesting (like AI).

I also use the AI mode on Google sometimes because it is better than traditional search when you need something specific.

But I don't use AI every day. I haven't got any AI agents or workflows. AI isn't running my business for me or talking to my clients.

I view it like junk food. It's ok in moderation, but I would never become dependent on it.

So what's my point in all this?

I guess I just want to reassure you that you don't have to pick a side when it comes to AI. You don't have to be either all-in or all-out.

AI isn't a single thing that does a single thing. AI is technology. It can be used for everyday things (like creating a workout plan), or it can be used for huge things like finding a cure for cancer (it hasn't yet, but some people believe it will).

It's much like the internet. It's here. It's not going anywhere. It can be used for good, and it can be used for bad. And it's up to you how, where and when you use it.

If you choose to fully embrace it, do so with caution. We are only just starting to understand the impact it is having on our brains. And we don't know what the dangers of feeding our personal or business information to AI might be in the future. I fear it could be far worse than anything Facebook has done, and that is pretty bad (I highly recommend the book Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams if you're curious).

And if you're worried you might get left behind if you don't fully embrace AI, don't be.

People are turning away from their favourite social media platforms because they are already tired of the slop. Younger generations are becoming more interested in films, books and music made before AI because they can't fully trust anything that is being made now. People are seeking out in-person and live events because they value human connection far more than anything AI can do.

And businesses that still offer that personalised human approach are still thriving.

Speaking of which, my one-to-one services definitely fall into the category of personalised and human.

I don't sell generic advice or paint-by-numbers strategies packaged up as the answer to all your prayers. I take time to understand your business, so I can give you high-quality, truly personalised recommendations, advice, and support to help you get results.

That doesn't mean I don't use any tech or automation. I'm a fan of simplicity, which is why the booking system for my consultations is automated. You click a link, select a convenient time, pay your money, and we both get the call link. It's easy and convenient for both of us.

But the service you receive is highly personalised. As soon as that call is in my calendar, I start planning how I can help you get the most from it.

And whether you book a one-off call or work with me on an ongoing basis, I'm invested in your success. I genuinely want to help you build a business that makes you happy. So if you aren't getting the type of clients you want, or you're just feeling a bit stuck with your business, book some time with me and let's work through your challenges together.