Written by Megan Sayles,
afro business writer,
msayles@afro.com
On February 16, several artificial intelligence (AI) experts gathered to discuss the power and potential of emerging technologies at the 2024 Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) STEM conference, hosted by Tyrone Tabone’s Career Communications Group. . This seminar covered the importance of AI adoption, its impact on the workforce, and barriers to AI adoption.
Fear caused by misconceptions and lack of education has been cited as one of the most significant challenges for individuals embracing AI.
“The first problem is education. There is a lack of information about what these technologies can and cannot do,” said Marcus Finley, CEO and Digital Director at FIN Digital. “The first thing people think of is ‘The Terminator,’ the end of the world, or that their data is not secure when using AI tools and technology.”
Without proper education about AI, individuals, especially underserved populations, may refuse or be unable to use the technology. This could delay technology equity and prevent people from having equal opportunities to use and benefit from new technologies.
Howard R. Jean, Co-Founder and CEO of Black Meta Agency It’s a big problem.” “Building partnerships between BEYA and companies” [is important] Toward a commitment to equity. ”
Tonia Bledsoe, a certified AI consultant and strategist, recommended testing AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity before making any technology decisions. He said AI could be particularly beneficial in the education sector.
“AI is here. Students will use these tools, but we are now thinking about how we can go back to the classroom and show them how to properly use it and how to do research with it.” We have to,” said Bledsoe, owner of Bledsoe Legacy Management. “That way, teachers don’t have to do as much administrative work, so they can talk to students and engage with students in a more educational way.”
With the advent of AI, many have expressed concerns about its potential to replace jobs across industries, given the technology’s ability to automate tasks and reduce labor costs. But rather than forcing workers out of their jobs, the committee’s experts said AI can be designed to empower workers and increase productivity.
“I think people should be more concerned about people who know AI taking their jobs, rather than AI taking their jobs,” Fineley said. “Even if you don’t understand technology, your competitors who do can get you the job you’re looking for because they work faster and get more done.” They can be more useful to a company than someone who doesn’t understand the technology.”
Bledsoe acknowledged that while some jobs will be lost to AI, overall the technology will create more jobs than it will eliminate in the future. That being said, in preparation for these roles, an employee must have his experience and knowledge of AI.
“If you don’t use AI in the next two years, your business and what you’re doing will fall far behind,” Bledsoe says. “If you’re not using this technology, you’re going to feel like people are jumping all over you.”
Megan Sayles is a member of Report for America.
