- You’re using AI wrong.
- AI is ruining the world.
- AI is coming for your job.
I’m going to talk about all of those incendiary statements and more, but first…all apologies for missing last month.
I was busy creating two YouTube channels:
- The Bhagwandin Method – My personal and “fun” channel.
- Penpixel Creative – associated with the agency.
Both are in early phases, and neither has gone viral yet.
I know, I know…how can a self-professed “content expert” and Content Strategist allow something like that to happen, right?
The truth is, and this is what I tell all SMBs and entrepreneurs…time has us handcuffed.
But AI is supposed to help us make our lives more efficient, right?
Turns out…that’s not entirely true…yet.
You’re Using AI Wrong
The OTHER thing I’ve been doing recently is taking the new Google Prompt Engineering for Gemini course, as well as a Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT course.
Google’s is free, BTW, so look into that if you’re interested.
While taking those courses, I’ve discovered a few things. The major discovery is that you’re using AI wrong.
I personally think that about 99% of those of you who are using AI are simply using it to cheat on work, or creative tasks like creating images, or writing.
Efficiency is a huge bonus, but unless you’re prompting the large language model (LLM) correctly, you’re leaving a lot on the table.
Basically, once you understand how LLMs function, and you understand their capabilities, you can structure your prompt, or input, to deliver better output.
You may need to include certain information in the prompt. You may need to tell the LLM to pretend it is an expert. You may need to tell it the format or structure you want your answer delivered in.
AI Is Ruining the World
Unfortunately, I’d say 100% of the 99% of us who are using AI wrong, are using it as an agent of chaos to turn a profit.
- AI images from those with zero artistic experience.
- AI music from those who haven’t put in the time to learn an instrument or read music.
- AI generated writing.
- Fake porn.
- Scams.
- Apps to help you cheat.
- Federal, State, and local governments working with shadow companies to develop AI apps that allow them to essentially spy on citizens…US…YOU.
Not to wax too philosophical here, but it seems that every time humans are given a gift that changes the world, they immediately put it to use destroying each other.
Every company “says” they’re using AI, but so far, all I can see are companies adding the word “AI” wherever they can to make you think that their service or product is better…but see my first sentence in this section.
Moral Idealism vs. Moral Ambition
Incidentally, I’m reading the book Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman.
It’s inspiring me to be stronger, and to do things that will make the world a better place for as many people as I can.
It’s inspiring me to stop being morally idealistic (spotting and issue and thinking something should be done) and be morally ambitious (seeing an issue and actively working to fix it).
I’ve come up with a few ideas, and I’ve used my newfound skills in prompting LLMs to flesh those ideas out; to make a plan.
I’ll let you know when I move from idealism to ambitious action.
UGH.
See, I’m still stuck in the idealism phase.
AI Is Coming for Your Job
But…is iiiiiiiit?
I’ve had a few discussions about this, and I on the fence.
Part of me feels that it’s simply going to create new opportunities.
But a darker part of me sees AI for what it is…artificial intelligence that replaces human intelligence.
So those jobs that required degrees and years of experience (white collar jobs), are quickly getting replaced with AI.
So, your fancy college degree may not save you after all. You’ll be doing that “blue collar” job soon, too.
Incidentally, those blue collar jobs (I actually hate that term and prefer to call them hands-on jobs) are in desperate need of new blood because, for decades, most people have been striving to go to college instead of learning a trade.
Why not learn a trade now?
It could be a cool side hustle or something.
You could become the “Maintenance Person” for your street, or cul-de-sac or something. I’m sure there a ton of little, hands-on jobs that micro-communities need.
Imagine if everyone in your little neck of the woods had a specialty, and got paid for providing that service to the few in your area. No wait times. Customer service would be great. It could be cheaper for them, and bring you extra-income.
Wait…I’m just daydreaming about a small, rural town…
Anyway, I have a firm belief that more and more of us are going to end up working in physical jobs.
I’m talking about jobs that involve lifting, serving, or anything that we haven’t invented an inexpensive robot for yet.
Ongoing…
The struggle continues to grow Penpixel Creative.
Content strategy is still important. But with SEO and content production in a weird place right now…
…plus the (wrong) assumption that AI will allow SMBs and entrepreneurs to essentially compete with large marketing or content production teams…
…really has me struggling to convince potential clients that $3k+ monthly for a brand-building content strategy will deliver ROI.
Normally, given these obstacles, I would pivot or simply move on to another project.
But something tells me I still have an opportunity to be happy and finish something I started.
Let’s see what happens by the end of May.
Deven Bhagwandin 