I sit in guidance class, scanning the careers that match my personality according to the test I took. Next to each career title is “job outlook,” the statistic describing the demand for humans in each vocation in the future.
The reality we must face as teens choosing our fields of study is we are limited in our options. Technology like AI is removing the necessity of human employees in many industries. Not only is AI replacing people in workforces, but it is making many functions of our brains optional. This technology was designed to assist humans, but it is also debilitating us.
AI makes our lives easier; there is no doubt about that. However, hard work is essential to the population. It is the best source of happy chemicals, it allows us to advance as a society, it develops relationships, and it produces beautiful and functional creations.
Humans were designed to labor. Genesis 2:15 reads, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” God also gave us our brains to utilize them. However, many use technology to do critical thinking for them, which stunts the brain. Even from a non-Christian standpoint, taking the easy way and employing technology to perform tasks for us deprives us of the benefits of honest labor. By abusing AI, we disable ourselves.
AI does have its benefits when used properly. It can help with mundane and repetitive tasks, save time and assist with organization. Many use AI as a background assistant to afford their most important tasks more time, focus and effort. However, AI should not be used for more than that. A common use of such technology is to synthesize ideas and inspiration, but even this practice feels inauthentic. Human ideas will always be more valuable for their authenticity and emotion than lifeless AI compositions.
AI is becoming more prevalent in our world, and there is not much we can do to stop it. Technology will undoubtedly replace humans in some areas. That said, we must control what we can by continuing to employ our brains and work ethic. We cannot allow AI to hinder our human proficiency.
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Joanie McCormack, 16, is a sophomore at Legacy High School, where she is involved in speech, band, choir, theater and volleyball. She enjoys art, baseball and all things music. Joanie is the daughter of Jesse and Cheryl, who are Capital Electric Cooperative members.
