I’m becoming very afraid about people that don’t realize the implications of AI. (And the its just a tool argument)

The Rising Concern Over AI and Its Societal Implications

As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement, many are beginning to grasp the profound changes it could bring—yet, a surprising number remain unaware of its full implications. While some dismiss AI as merely a tool, the reality is far more complex and potentially transformative for our society.

Understanding AI’s Potential

It’s important to clarify that supporting AI integration doesn’t mean opposing progress. In fact, I believe we should leverage AI and robotics excessively—to replace humans in jobs that are often monotonous, harmful, or simply intolerable. Our fundamental goal should be to free people from undesirable labor and allow everyone to pursue their passions. Human existence, at its core, is about enjoying life, caring for our planet, and nurturing one another.

However, recent conversations have highlighted a troubling disconnect. I spoke with a developer who uses AI daily to create small-scale applications—something he would be unable to do without this technology. During our discussion, he shared an analogy about AI that I found both perplexing and concerning.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

I explained that the major obstacles facing large language models (LLMs) and AI tools—such as hallucinations and their ability to interpret complex, abstract information—have been substantially addressed in enterprise settings. While some challenges remain, the general consensus among major corporations is that these tools are now reliable enough for production use. Furthermore, data shows that around 60% of Generation Z individuals struggle to find employment after college, partly due to AI-driven automation—which can pay workers less and replace human roles at a rapid pace.

Despite this progress and these realities, my acquaintance suggested I was like someone interested in bears who only reads about them but never observes them in the wild. Essentially, he implied I should stop studying AI and instead focus on finding ways to profit from it. While developing business strategies is valuable, the broader issue is that AI’s proliferation threatens to eliminate a vast majority of white-collar jobs. The labor market will be reshaped—full of saturated trades and declining wages, with unemployment potentially soaring to 12% or higher within the coming year.

The Broader Societal Impact

Many experts have warned that AI isn’t just a tool but could eventually surpass human control, taking over the world in ways we might not anticipate. Such concerns underscore the urgency of understanding its implications beyond financial gains. If society doesn’t adapt swiftly, a significant portion of the global population could face severe hardship,