I recently attended the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Cleveland, Ohio. I expected to hear lively discussions about AI, but the mood felt heavy. Many journalists expressed concern about how AI could replace us. The common sentiment was, “we must protect ourselves.”
However, an unexpected chat with my waiter, Kevin Knestrick, shifted my perspective. When I asked if he used AI, I anticipated negative feedback. Instead, he said, “Not really. But I did use it the other day to update our menu. It saved me a lot of time.”
Kevin then introduced me to two of his younger colleagues, Jamie Sargent and Dawud Hamzah. It soon became clear that they embraced AI as part of their daily routines, viewing it as a helpful ally rather than a threat.
For Hamzah, a bartender and youth motivational speaker, ChatGPT has replaced Google. “I use it for everything—from planning presentations to organizing trips,” he shared. Just recently, he used it to plan a relaxing birthday for his partner, complete with vegan options. When dealing with back issues, he turned to the AI for specific exercises, and it worked like a charm.
Sargent, a former special education teacher, began using ChatGPT when it launched in late 2022. He quickly discovered its ability to create lesson plans, allowing him to focus on customizing content for his students. “It saves me about an hour on each plan,” he said, rejecting any notion that it felt like cheating. “I still do the same work; it just makes it faster.”
Both men view AI’s impact on jobs as inevitable. “If you don’t adapt, you could struggle,” Hamzah cautioned. Sargent added, “Focus on what makes you human. AI isn’t part of the experience we offer.”
Kevin’s approach to AI changed when he realized its potential to solve problems quickly. “I used it out of necessity,” he acknowledged. His curiosity led him to wonder if AI could help “the little guy” succeed in investing, feeling that those in his generation often get left behind.
Their manager, Curtis Helser, uses ChatGPT to refine work emails, seeing it as a neutral tool, much like a car. “You have to be in the building,” he told me, indicating that human interaction still matters.
This experience displayed a striking contrast with my colleagues at the journalism convention. It seemed that those of us involved in information creation felt threatened by AI, while service industry workers found ways to incorporate it seamlessly into their lives. The real AI revolution isn’t defined by loud headlines; it’s occurring in quiet conversations and practical problem-solving.
Experts are noting similar trends. A recent survey showed that about 40% of workers in various industries have started using AI tools to improve their efficiency. The result? Increased productivity and less stress. Historical fears have always accompanied technological advancements—from the rise of personal computers to the advent of social media. What we see today is just another chapter in this ongoing story of adaptation.
As we move forward in this new AI landscape, it’s vital for all of us to stay open-minded and proactive. Embracing AI could lead to enhanced creativity and efficiency, if we learn to use it wisely rather than fear it.
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Chatbots,ChatGPT,Jobs,OpenAI
