Episode 01 - Robots Rising, Gaming Glory and Empty Wallets: Pink Elephants Podcast with Nik Ridley
PINK ELEPHANTS with Nik Ridley: Chats on mind, science, tech, and global trends, weaving connections through art and dialogue.
“ROBOTS RISING, GAMING GLORY & EMPTY WALLETS”
Episode 1, Segment 1 | 02/15/24
This conversation explores the impact of AI on various industries, including job displacement and new opportunities. It also discusses the ethical considerations in AI development and the importance of a balanced perspective. The conversation highlights the positive aspects and economic opportunities that AI brings, as well as the personal experience and responsible use of AI. It emphasizes the need for AI integration in education and addresses the digital divide and accessibility to AI.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:
AI has a significant impact on industries, from job displacement to new opportunities.
Ethical considerations, such as biases in AI algorithms, need to be addressed for fairness and accountability.
A balanced perspective is crucial to understand both the positive and negative aspects of AI's impact.
AI can be a powerful tool for good, freeing humans from repetitive tasks and enabling more creative and strategic work.
AI integration in education and addressing the digital divide are essential for equal access and opportunities.
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FULL SEGMENTS - YouTube (1 of 3)
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to AI and its Impact on Industries
03:20 Job Displacement and New Opportunities
8:00 Ethical Considerations in AI
10:18 Balanced Perspective on AI's Impact
14:50 Positive Aspects and Economic Opportunities
18:00 Personal Experience with AI
19:40 Guardrails and Responsible Use of AI
22:07 Importance of AI Integration in Education
23:10 Digital Divide and Accessibility to AI
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Have you pondered the future of work where machines think and robots act? Or wondered if video games possess the power to move us like art does? Perhaps the ever increasing price tag on your grocery list keeps you up at night. Prepare to be surprised, challenged, and maybe even a little uncomfortable as we delve into the complexities of AI, the artistic merit of video games, and the economic pressures impacting our daily lives. Welcome to Pink Elephants with Nick Ridley, where we chat on mind, science, tech, and global trends, weaving connections through art and dialogue. AI is no longer a sci -fi trope. It's woven into the fabric of our world, from self -driving cars to personalized recommendations. But with this progress comes concerns. Let's unpack the impact of AI on various industries exploring the potential for job displacement, the need for ethical considerations, and the exciting benefits that it also offers. You see, so we're going to delve into what it means to live in this new world of AI. And to be sure, I see both sides of it. Just to be a front -end artist out the gate.
I can definitely see causes for concern and I can definitely also respect the fact that we've already been in this space for, you know, since the fifties and sixties or enough until now, you know, in truth, the technology has been along around for a long time and we've been interfacing with AI, you know, for, for a while now, if we think about our traffic light systems and this various things that we take for granted, this is not necessarily something that's new. Um, I think it's just now available for us and it's in our hands to be able to interface with it and also use it to our benefit and we'll see if to our detriment. The jury's still out on that one as it's still fresh within that context. The McKinsey Global Institute had a report in 2021 and I'm actually looking at some of the stats here on this as we continue and it suggests that automation through AI could displace up to eight
Nik Ridley (02:21.902)
100 million jobs globally by 2030. And primarily, that's going to impact repetitive tasks within certain sectors. Sectors such as, let's go through manufacturing, they say, transportation, and retail. And some of the numbers that went along with that was 58 % of jobs in the manufacturing sector were at risk, like assembly line operations and quality control.
In the transportation sector, it continues 19 % of those jobs, you know, by that timeframe, including truck driving, warehouse operations, and taxi driving will be impacted. And in that retail sector, 11 % of jobs will be lost, encompassing cashiers, stock clerks, data entry personnel, and the like. Now, as I say this, we have to also realize that in every new development across the course of history,
it also creates new opportunities. So the pink elephant, I guess, you know, before we continue, because I don't want to be all data heavy with you, but I think the pink elephant could be posed in the form of a question of where do I fit in with all of this? And an attache to that will be, and what is the game plan, you know, from a macro level, a policy level in helping and assisting us?
to integrate with this new world that we're interfacing with, especially post COVID, post the lockdowns where there is a new normal, it's different now, just from how we interface with ordering our food via Grubhub, various gig economy type situations, Uber, Uber Eats, what have you, and Instacart.
So, you know, those things, you know, these type of new developments bring about these new opportunities as well. So it's not necessarily a doom and gloom thing, but I definitely respect the fact that, you know, that's a lot of jobs, you know, and that's like, once again, that's from the McKinsey Global Institute report in 2021, you know, 800 million jobs globally by 2030 in those three sectors we talked about.
Nik Ridley (04:44.364)
One more, I think, interesting stat. This is according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report in 2023. It says that, you know, while 42 % around of existing tasks will change significantly due to AI, new job opportunities will also emerge, as I was speaking about earlier, particularly in these fields, fields that require a creativity and critical thinking. It says that 46 % of growth projected for jobs like designers, architects, marketing specialists is going to grow, as well as big problem solving and social skills type industries. 36 % job growth projected for jobs like nurses, teachers, and therapists. You know, so I think that, you know, from a problem solving perspective, one answer to the how do I integrate or how can I integrate in this, you know, depending upon where one is, are in those sectors as well.
Skill -based ones nurses teachers therapists and I would even go as further as to say definitely the trades You know if one has a skill period to do something to make something to fix something to install to create That's tactile meaning that it can be held. You know what i'm saying? It's not necessarily something that's ambiguous or things of that nature, but real world You know skills that everyone needs, you know, those sectors are not going to go away.
Electricians we're gonna still need those. We're need plumbers flooring installers You know what I'm saying solar installers just you know and the light those will never go away and those type of industries Irrespective of what one's orientation may be are open and are of need you know So I think that an AI also integrates in those industries as well in terms of the tools that's used in terms of just estimating, things from beforehand streamlining the process, you know what i'm saying? So, you know, we even in those industries we've been interfacing with that for a while now, too And i'll continue um And the us bureau of labor statistics, you know, they project the occupations requiring In -demand skills will experience faster than average job growth through 20 or through 2030 while routine tasks decline so basically
Nik Ridley (07:06.894)
From what I'm getting from this is, think of AI as just the mundane things that we do. Picture one of those vacuum cleaners that a lot of people have now. That is automated. It cleans itself over hard surfaces or carpet. Think of it as, now I don't have to sweep anymore. That's what I mean by mundane. Day to day, simple tasks that are time intensive.
but in labor oriented, but not necessarily something that can't be done, you know, in a different capacity, i .e. through a robot, through an AI driven vacuum cleaner, you know, as that example again. So I think that just looking at that from a balance viewpoint, that pink elephant, that question that really no one is really asking, asking, you know, we're getting the data, but we're not like, you know, how does this really affect me? You know, where...
You know, where do I fit in? How am I going to be able to feed my family? You know what I'm saying? And we definitely have to roll with it. We've been rolling with it and also be conscious while we're using it at the same time. Now there's some other considerations in the ethnic vein, you know, as it relates to AI. And one of them is that, you know, biases that, you know, have been shown to be ingrained in AI algorithms.
They can perpetuate discrimination based on various factors such as racial bias. An AI facial recognition system, for example, might misidentify individuals of color more frequently. Gender biases, an AI -powered hiring tool might favor resumes with traditionally male -sounding names, for example. Socio -economic biases, an AI loan approval system.
might reject applicants from low income neighborhoods. I guess a digital redlining it could be given. So, know, ensuring that fairness and accountability and transparency, you know, what are called FAT principles, and AI development becomes crucial. And what does that mean? You know, that means implementing transparent algorithms, you know, regularly audit them.
Nik Ridley (09:25.582)
for bias and ensure that diverse teams oversee and develop AI technology that can help mitigate these. You know what I'm saying? Another one will be accountability mechanisms to establish these to hold developers and users responsible for unintended consequences of AI systems. So we have that accountability piece in there. So it's not just Wild West, if you will.
And transparency, of course, regarding data collection, algorithm design, and decision making processes is essential for building public trust in the AI. So transparent algorithms, accountability, and transparency. And while these job displacement concerns are valid,
history shows that once again technological advancements often create new opportunities and The you know the Industrial Revolution. Okay, let's take that for an example. All right displaced agricultural workers You know, but it led to the rise of new industries and job categories as well painful. Absolutely tough Absolutely, I'm in that boat rowing, you know, so I don't say this from standing on a precipice looking down on the townspeople
I'm saying that as one who is in this mix rolling in the same boat, you know, as a lot of us seem to be as the data shows, I'll continue. Well, like with that industrial revolution, you know, to circle back, it displays agricultural workers, but it led to the rise of new industries and job categories. And, you know, since AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more creative and strategic work,
It's going to be a necessary outcome. Now, of course, it's going to have to have tangibility. It's going to have to be tactile. You've got to be able to touch it as well. You know, everything can't be in that digital space. OK? But AI can handle these repetitive tasks, you know, and it's going to free humans, us, for more creative and strategic work. You know, imagine doctors using AI power diagnostics, OK, to personalize patient care, as is happening now.
Nik Ridley (11:44.331)
You know, or scientists using AI to accelerate research and development as it's being done now. Of course, fairly and within reason, you know, there needs to definitely be guardrails in that degree. However, though, yo, it's the future. And as we progress in so many ways, and it can often appear as if we're not, but we are, you know, there are pains in progression and growing pains is a part of it.
So within that vein, doctors using this type of technology and scientists using this type of technology has really benefited us as well, you know, by and large. And, you know, these AI assisted tools, they can automate these.
Administrative tasks, you know about allows teachers and entrepreneurs to focus on core activities for example It allows business owners to focus on the things that they really need to be focusing on and not once again the mundane things which are Repetitive the things that keep on going. Okay And hopefully I'm just you know, I'm trying to just pad this with truth first and foremost, you know So we're not blowing smoke or trying to make things appear as if they aren't
But yet and still, there's still, with everything, there are opportunities and silver linings. And there are some huge opportunities, for sure, economic as it relates within the AI sphere. You know, and focusing on these positive aspects is vital, you know, for fostering that balanced perspective on the potential of AI. And additionally, you know, up -skilling, you know, which is a thing now, and re -skilling initiatives up -skill.
you know, taking it to the next level, you know, the skills that one does have and reskilling. Reskilling mean it's to say it could be synonymous with chucking the typewriter for a word processor when there's an Apple when it first came out. And now you're in a different digital space. It can even be in VR or, you know, what have you, or just even iPad, which is totally divergent from those examples I gave. All right.
Nik Ridley (13:53.985)
You know, but yet still there'll be example of reskilling learning how to use these systems learning how to prompt AI to do things learning how to prompt and to use AI to automate things to make your life easier as well. Okay. So, you know, focusing on these once again, those positive aspects just it allows us just to, you know, take the bull by the horns and, you know, make sure that we are in control.
as it relates to how we use our tools, no different than a carpenter and how he has to use his hammer. Okay, you gotta know which side of the head is gonna hit the nail. You know, that's just a part of knowing how to use the tool and when not to use that tool, you know, more importantly. You know, and so the potential of AI to transform industries in our way of life is undeniable.
You know, and from self -driving cars, once again, and AI -powered medical diagnostics to personal recommendations and automated customer service, et cetera. Its impact is already being felt across various sectors. However, with this progress comes significant challenges that demand careful consideration. All right? Once again, that job displacement.
the ethical considerations, you know, and beyond the hype of, you know, the human AI partnership, you know, because it's important to move beyond sensationalized narratives and adopt a balanced perspective. While this job displacement concerns are valid, focusing solely on the negative aspects from repetitive, you know, from an incomplete, I'm sorry, will show an incomplete picture.
AI can be a powerful tool for, you know, beyond the hype, the human AI partnership is important to move beyond sensationalized narratives and adopt a balanced perspective. Now, while job displacement concerns are valid, focusing solely on the negative aspects paints an incomplete picture. AI can be a powerful tool for good.
Nik Ridley (16:13.097)
Freeing us from negative tests and allowing them, you know, I'm sorry repetitive tests now my personal experience with AI is I do use it I would say increasingly so as it relates to a Lot of the administrative work that I do to be honest
And that the key has always been in just always being clear on what I want to get out of whatever I'm asking it to do. I guess you can kind of say and that has worked really well and it really is a tool to help take away a lot of the time.
And also in generating ideas like if your thing is a bitch you're not getting marketing or something like that and let's say for example You need to write a letter To someone that you want to sponsor you no matter what you're doing. It could be for a limited stand It could be if you're a fashion designer, what have you and have a new fashion line, you know, but say you want to write a sponsorship letter If you know exactly, you know what you want to achieve ie, you know the
Exactly what you're asking for, you know from from that sponsor or do you want to put on a fashion show? Do you want to put a runway show? Do you want to take it and shop it around the country? You need funds for transportation and lodging and that tour if you will, you know, etc Whatever it is, but you're clear on what it is you're asking for So you're going to prompt AI the chat GPT's the barge of Jim and I so what have you as well as the plethora? out there
You're going to actually ask it and query it based upon those things and then say, you know, right, help, help me write a sponsorship proposal letter for my, you know, A, B, C, D, E.
Nik Ridley (18:16.205)
And within seconds, it'll spit out something for you that you can work with that is, you know, is very, very workable and doable. So from my experience, you know, and that in itself, I mean, you know, on one hand, yeah, there are, there are individuals or professionals who are paid to do that. But on the other hand, you know, that information was always in the library too. It's just now it's just a hyper speed way of obtaining information. Once again, if you know,
what you're looking for, you know, and even if it was the, what was that, back in the Dewey Decimal System or something, what have you, you know, the card catalog that we had in the library, I can't remember, I'm getting old, but you know, you still had to know what, you know, you were looking for, you know, even with the call numbers and what have you, this is no different. So, you know, that's why, once again, having a balanced approach or a balanced perspective, it's only can do what you tell it to do.
And so the power is really with you. And once again, how you choose to use that tool. And as it gets, end quote, smarter, if you will, how we handle it responsibly and what road we go down. That's going to be a collective thing. But once again, we've already been in it. So don't want to get my own windowed on that.
Nik Ridley (19:40.653)
Now I will also add that in using AI for administrative tasks and things that I do, mainly artistically, within my artistic profession and teaching,
I will say that those safeguards I was speaking about or those guardrails on using it responsibly in that nature, I don't use it to generate my art. Have I played around with things like Golly and various different AI art generators? Absolutely, because it's like, it's amazing. I gotta keep it a hundred. It's amazing.
You know what I'm saying? It's magical even. So you know, I definitely look at it for the entertainment value and sometimes it'll give me a color swatch. It's an idea. No different if I go to a park and see a lily in the field or a certain shade of brown or some bark on a tree. You know, I'm an art geek right now, but that's how it be. You know, those things are thrown in the artwork. It's inspiring. It's that inspo, you know, that I personally, you know, bleed from.
So I don't want to make it seem like it's better than or less than or you know, but yeah, I definitely look at it sometimes and play around with it to see what it does, you know, conceptually, you know, but actually creating the art or manipulating the art or making the artwork, then yeah, it's got to be, you know, I keep it old school in that regard. You know, I have to be in it and just let it create it for me, you know, and.
Even though it's dynamic, the art that is generated and photorealistic and just, you know, the collages, this all that it can do is just like I said, mind boggling, mind boggling and only limited by one's imagination, which is what makes it so magical. It's just truly like a genie in a bottle. At the same time, there's still something about the human energy.
Nik Ridley (21:40.299)
the human element and once again it's still generating what you're telling it to generate. So, you know, putting that context from a balanced perspective, you know, just want to keep it clear though that I do have also guardrails, personal ones, that I impose on how I interface and engage with and benefit from AI.
Nik Ridley (22:07.725)
Now in terms of policy, I think it's imperative that we implement, create and implement programs, you know, STEAM, if you will, that also integrate AI systems and, you know, how to integrate with those systems.
in our education systems as well, you know, in our institutions because it's a real thing. And I say that in the context of because there's a real digital divide, you know what I'm saying? Like there's a lot of individuals who can't afford to engage with the web, you know, as others may be able to. You know, very real limitations.
They don't have the economics because they can't afford Wi -Fi at home, you know, especially in this inflationary environment that we're in where everything costs more, you know. I think I saw something yesterday. We're going to go into that in our third segment here. You know, I don't want to, you know, no spoiler alert, nothing like that, but.
We're going to go into those realities of inflation and how it's affecting the average individual, if you will. And this is notwithstanding, it's same, it's as effective as well. Can one afford to pay cox or whatever, that's an internet provider, whomever that may be.
You know to pay that fee per month in order to be connected And or is you know, the grocery bill went up 33 percent, you know to go back to that debt I was about to speak about Housing went up 40 percent, you know in the last three to four years. I mean, you know across the board two to three years. I'm sorry That's substantial. That's not talking about gas, you know
Nik Ridley (23:54.923)
You all those costs that we all know that have gone up everywhere and haven't gone back down You know, that's one thing about inflation is it's not like the prices go back down once inflation goes down Okay, so if the price of eggs was 399 in 2019 and then it was 799 in 2020 just where as an example, you know, and I'm not saying those dates are correct
But you know, that 799 price tag is on there and that percentage, even though it may go back down to 2%, you know, that cost is still there. You know what I mean? You know, it's not like the cost of those goods are going down as we can see. You know what I mean?
So, you know, these are very real things going on and to circle back the digital divide and as it relates to AI, that's going to that's very tantamount as to how one engages with and being that, you know, AI systems are being so much increasingly more so integrated in everything that we do, then that could potentially lock a lot of people out, you know, and.
in order to allow everyone to have the opportunity, i .e. accessibility to survival. Because it's very hard to survive without a mobile phone. Especially if you have Cash App and Venmo and Zelle and your online banking and you're tapping and your wallet, which is becoming increasingly more. It's hard to do things, even transfer money from accounts if you need to.
You know what I'm saying? Just without a mobile device and without an internet connection, it's nearly impossible. You'll be at Starbucks, baby. And you know, it's real. I'm just going to keep it on it. So it can keep a lot of people out the rays as it relates to AI, integrating it, integrating with it this digital and the digital divide and, you know, know how and skill set.
Nik Ridley (25:54.317)
in accessing this new digital world that we live in, especially post COVID, this new global.
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