AI's biggest threat isn't what you'd think - here's how to protect yourself

1 month ago 1

AI will destroy humanity! At least, that's what every AI executive says whenever a mic is in front of them.

They are quick to tell you the sky is falling and say stuff like, "We have a couple of years at max before AI completely takes over everything."

When I hear this, I always scream at my screen…

"If it's so bad, THEN WHY ARE YOU BUILDING IT!" 🥴

Look, I'm here for the AI innovation, but do we really need to innovate to the point we're annihilated as a species? Why are we pressing the issue?

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What in the dystopian future is going on? I'm so confused!

In today's article, we'll try to make sense of where the industry is today, dig into the scariest part of the AI revolution, reveal just how unprepared we really are, and break down what you can do to future-proof yourself.

If you're new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit, currently the executive chairman of a group of ecom brands, and an award-winning performance marketer. 🤓

My team has adopted AI to develop internal tools that allow us to stay ahead in a highly competitive space. We operate more like a tech and data company than a typical ecom brand, which gives me a front-row seat to how AI is reshaping the world of online business. That firsthand experience is why I can speak honestly about both the hype and the real risks.

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If you're finding it hard to keep up with AI and want insights and opportunities in this crowded space, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, what to watch for, and the AI innovations that are worth your time.

But enough about me. I need to bring you up to speed on what's happening and how this could be your opportunity, not just to stay ahead but to thrive. 😏

Where things stand

To the outside world, it looks like we're living in the golden age of AI. 🤔

Tech companies are launching new models, raising money, and promising a future that runs on intelligence that never sleeps. It feels like progress, right? But the truth is this progress is mostly happening in boardrooms, not in the hands of everyday people.

The hype around AI continues to grow, but we are overlooking the fact that there are no real safeguards in place. The people building AI are moving at a breakneck pace, but lawmakers, regulators, and public policy haven't even gotten out of the gate.

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While we are busy figuring out prompts and laughing at AI-generated memes, these tools are getting more powerful by the day.

Soon, we'll have AI agents advanced enough to think independently, automate entire functions, and work together to self-improve. Ultimately, they'll behave less like chatbots and more like employees. 🦾

As AI evolves, it's not just about business efficiency or innovation. There's a much bigger picture to consider regarding how these powerful tools will be used and who will have access to them. We're already seeing international interest in AI advancements, which could open the door to a new kind of world conflict, not for borders, but for artificial intelligence itself.

A glimpse into our AI future

The future of AI may not depend on the next big model or exciting feature, but on whether we put guardrails in place.

Many people are concerned about what AI might do one day, but we are already seeing problems right now. Deepfakes and scams are getting more convincing, yet lawmakers haven't stepped in to handle the risks we are currently facing.

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To be fair, I empathize with lawmakers. AI is changing rapidly, and I'm sure they are dealing with challenges that none of us can fully comprehend but my empathy can only go so far. At some point, we need real action, as the consequences are no longer theoretical. 😳

According to Resemble.ai, in the first quarter of this year, deepfake-enabled fraud caused more than $200 million in losses worldwide. That's a lot of bread, but beyond that, it's many people's lives turned upside down. For example, Steve Beauchamp, an 82-year-old retiree, lost his entire retirement savings after falling for a deepfake video that convincingly impersonated Elon Musk.

It's truly heartbreaking that stories like Steve's are becoming more common, and it's often our most vulnerable who are being taken advantage of. 🤬

Every day, people and small businesses are being targeted, with scammers using AI to mimic voices, faces, and even live video calls.

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We're not placing enough emphasis on what humanity will do with these innovations. Of course, people will build businesses and make advances in healthcare and beyond, but a subset will use this technology in ways that could make things worse for everyone.

We can't just marvel at what AI can do; we need to take serious action to protect people and hold bad actors accountable. 😤

What should we do?

As AI becomes more advanced, using it as a tool in our daily lives is inevitable.

So, how do we live with that reality? 🤓☝️

For starters, we need to use AI thoughtfully. That means treating it as a tool to help us, not as a replacement for our judgment and discretion. Whether you're running a business or just managing your day-to-day, let AI handle the repetitive stuff, but keep the critical decisions in your own hands.

We also have to stay alert. Scams, deepfakes, and misinformation will be harder to spot, so be cautious and double-check what you see and hear before taking action or sharing it.

Be cautious about the information you share with AI tools and platforms. Stick to trusted sources and avoid sharing personal details, especially when it's unclear how your data will be used.

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Finally, keep learning. AI is moving fast, so it's important to stay informed by monitoring new developments, understanding the associated risks, and applying that knowledge to make informed decisions. 🚀