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Artificial intelligence has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, becoming more and more prevalent in everyday life and sparking a mixture of panic and inspiration among potential users.
While some fear that AI will replace many types of jobs, three-time New York Times bestselling author and Van Jones, CNN contributor sees it a little differently.
“What AI tools do is they give you an unfair advantage,” Jones told Ross Mac on an episode of Yahoo Finance Financial Freestyle (see video above or listen below). “You can write, but this can help you write faster. You can search, but this can help you search faster. …It’s a jetpack.
Jones emphasized that AI is still in its early stages, potentially putting users on a level playing field. Many AI tools are currently available for users to get started for free, creating an entry point for almost anyone with access to the Internet.
“You have to use (AI) as something that’s going to enhance your skills,” Jones added. “It’s almost like a digital assistant. Rather than thinking of it as “The Terminator,” think of it as C-3PO or R2-D2. »
Much of Jones’ current work aims to make AI accessible to the next generation and marginalized communities. His organization, Dream Machine Innovation Lab, works to teach young students of color how to use AI so they can bring it to their communities.
“I tell people all the time that AI can be your Iron Man suit,” Jones said. “You can leave out a whole bunch of people who maybe had other advantages, (and) you can close those gaps very quickly if you use (AI).”
There isn’t yet a standardized curriculum for learning AI, but Jones believes young students looking to break generational cycles might be able to make that change using AI.
“When I look at the next generation coming up, I see nothing but genius, magic and opportunity,” Jones said. “When we see a young person in difficulty, two things happen: the young person lets himself down, but there is a whole group of adults who let him down first.”
Dream Machine Innovation Lab aims to “make Wakanda real” by putting tools in the hands of the next generation, helping students of color make waves in the tech world, Jones said.
“Every industry is going to be disrupted – I’d rather we do the disruption,” he said.
Every Monday, Financial Freestyle host Ross Mac sits down with key guests to discuss their wealth-building journey and what it takes to create a lasting financial footprint. You can find more episodes on our video center or watch on your favorite streaming service.