AI as the Best Version of You: Not a Job Killer, but a Human Amplifier
There was a time when everything was dark. Only a small segment of society knew how to apply to elite colleges. Most people, especially those without access to information, had no idea where to start, how to apply, or even how to afford the process. Many quit high school not because they lacked ambition, but because they lacked a clear path to higher education.
Back in my day, applying to just three colleges took at least 30 days. We needed to physically gather applications, arrange for bank cashier checks, and send everything by registered post. Today, in 2025, my son applied to 12 colleges in a single day. This is more than a technological improvement — it's a transformation of accessibility and equality.
Social media brought another major shift. It became a powerful tool to broadcast individual voices to the world. However, as platforms grew, so did the noise: bots, fake news, trolling, and memes started dominating the space. Ironically, while everyone technically has a voice now, very few use it authentically. The fear of backlash and the flood of inauthentic content discourage honest participation. Less than 1% of people raise their true voice online today.
Recently, I was shocked to read that Meta has started rolling back some AI-based content flagging in favor of manual community checks. This reflects a deeper issue: fear. People see AI as a job killer and a threat to data integrity. But here’s the truth — when something generates fear at scale, it means it holds real value.
Let’s take a simple use case: job search. Today, many job portals aggregate listings from various boards. They provide filters and parameters to help users find the best fit. In this sense, the user acts like an AI agent — carefully selecting jobs using precise criteria.
But the reality is, not everyone is great at narrowing down options. An offensive player can't always play defense well. Similarly, not all human minds are equally equipped for strategic filtering. This is where AI can shine — by acting as the best version of you. An AI can help find the right job that matches your unique skills, soft skills, and experience. It becomes an extension of your decision-making, not a replacement.
And this idea scales. AI can help you find the best credit card, optimize your monthly budget, or suggest purchases based on personal needs and limits. Will this cause some job loss? Yes — in the immediate sense. But long-term, this kind of precision will grow the economy. If I save $150 this month thanks to AI, I might donate more or spend on something meaningful. Balanced budgets lead to healthier lives, and AI helps us get there.
So, let’s not fear AI. Let’s fine-tune it to amplify the best in each of us.
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