I am being prescribed AI and told to find a use for it. This is totally backwards, right?

Date : September 25, 2024
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I Am Being Prescribed AI and Told to Find a Use for It. This Is Totally Backwards, Right?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, few topics have stirred as much excitement and anxiety as artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, I was tasked by my boss with the goal of learning about AI and coming up with a use case for it within our organization. At first glance, this seems fundamentally backwards — it feels like I am being prescribed a technology and told to find a use for it, rather than identifying a specific problem and solving it with AI when it’s truly a good fit.

The FOMO Factor

I can’t help but suspect that this assignment stems from a fear of missing out (FOMO) — a palpable anxiety among leadership about “falling behind” in the tech race. Many organizations grapple with the notion that if they’re not actively incorporating AI into their operations, they risk becoming obsolete. This mindset often leads to a hasty adoption of technology without a clear understanding of how it fits into the current business model or customer needs.

In my case, this rush to embrace AI seems less about solving actual problems and more about keeping pace with industry trends. There’s a growing narrative that AI is the golden hammer, a universal solution that can be wielded against any challenge. However, treating AI as a catch-all solution is not only misguided but could also lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.

A Misguided Approach

It’s perplexing to be instructed to find a use for a technology without a defined problem. The situation feels akin to being handed a toolbox filled with shiny gadgets and being told to build something impressive, without any blueprint or understanding of what should be constructed. This approach often results in concepts that are vague, hand-wavy, and ultimately ineffective.

A few potential use cases have been suggested, but they lack the depth of analysis that is necessary to determine if AI is truly the right fit. This lack of clarity and direction raises the question: Is this assignment more about generating hype rather than addressing real business challenges?

Reframing the Assignment

Perhaps a more productive approach to this situation would be to reframe the assignment. Instead of saying, “Go find a use for AI,” it could be framed as, “Our company is navigating uncharted waters with emerging technologies like AI, and we perceive this as a risk. Please explore how AI can be applied to our customers’ problems, allowing us to mitigate this risk while paving the way for innovation.”

This reframing acknowledges the exploratory nature of learning about AI while focusing on the end goal of delivering value to customers. It encourages a more thoughtful analysis of where AI can genuinely enhance our offerings rather than treating it as a superficial marketing tool.

The Opportunity to Learn

While the initial approach feels flawed, it does present a valuable opportunity. By diving into the world of AI on the company’s dime, I can gain insights that will not only benefit our organization but may also enhance my own career trajectory. It’s an opportunity to learn about a cutting-edge technology that is reshaping industries. If nothing else, this experience can serve as a springboard to explore more relevant applications of AI in future roles or projects.

The Marketing Angle

It’s also essential to recognize that for some organizations, the goal of incorporating AI may be less about solving problems and more about generating excitement among clients and investors. In this context, the assignment might be less about practical application and more about producing “cool” projects that attract attention. This approach can create a facade of innovation while lacking the substance needed for true progress.

Conclusion

So how do I navigate this situation? I believe the key is to maintain an open dialogue with my boss and colleagues about the realities of AI adoption. Instead of simply acquiescing to the assignment, I can advocate for a more strategic approach that prioritizes problem-solving over technology for technology’s sake.

In a world where AI is often seen as a panacea, it’s crucial to remember that the best solutions arise from understanding the problems we face. By striving to align AI initiatives with concrete business needs, we can avoid the pitfalls of jumping on the latest technological bandwagon simply to keep up with the competition.

Ultimately, the journey into AI should be grounded in curiosity and a commitment to delivering real value to our customers, not just chasing trends. Let’s ensure that as we explore this exciting technology, we do so with a clear purpose and a thoughtful strategy.

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