The following is a longer reply to a comment than LinkedIn will permit.
Thanks for asking! I wrote “nope” because I fundamentally reject the idea that having AI significantly smarter than humans automatically poses an inherent problem. In fact, I see it as an exciting opportunity.
Here’s why:
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Tools Don’t Automatically Dull Our Minds: Historically, new technologies—like calculators—haven’t led to a wholesale decline in human intelligence. Instead, they shift how we use our cognitive resources. Rather than seeing AI as replacing human problem-solving, I view it as freeing us to explore more creative, strategic, or empathetic forms of thinking.
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We Adapt (and Improve) with Technology: Humanity has repeatedly evolved alongside powerful tools, from fire to modern software. Education systems and workplaces adapt—just as math classes adjusted when calculators became mainstream. It’s less about outsourcing our mental faculties and more about learning new, often more sophisticated skills, including how to verify and refine AI output.
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Prompt Engineering Still Requires Intelligence: Dismissing “prompt engineering” as not real problem-solving underestimates the cognitive nuance doing it effecgively actually requires. Effective prompts and the ability to critique AI’s reasoning can demand deep subject-matter expertise. This doesn’t replace human thinking; it reshapes it. I have found effective prompt composition and high quality outputs review to be among the most cognitively challenging new (or reshaped, perhaps) skills of my career.
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Different Types of Intelligence: AI might outmatch human brains at certain tasks—analysis, data processing, even some forms of pattern recognition. But that doesn’t negate our broader human intelligence or creativity. We can appreciate (or even celebrate) AI’s strengths whileoutselves leaning into deeply human qualities like empathy, abstract reasoning, emotion, inspiration, experience-in-the-moment, and moral judgment.
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Opportunities Outweigh Risks: Yes, there are valid concerns about over-reliance on AI. I share some of those concerns. But I believe that—handled responsibly—the benefits far exceed the risks. “Smarter-than-human” AI could solve problems faster, unveil new insights, and work alongside us. The societal, economic, strategic, and every-day benefits that can emerge are potentially profound. Accepting and shaping this partnership can enhance our capabilities rather than sideline them.
In short, I said “nope” because I don’t buy into the doom-like scenario of cognitive decline. On the contrary, I see AI as a powerful catalyst that can elevate, not diminish, human innovation and insight if we engage thoughtfully.
Hope that clarifies my one-word comment, and I appreciate you asking for more context!