A Note on AI and the Future
I just read this post https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening and went and tried the new Claude models, as I thought it was exaggerating about what is about to come. Even though I am in 12th grade and don't know much to ask, I was genuinely baffled, as it answered some of my physics, calculus, and geometry questions with such ease and through different methods. I was stunned — even my highly qualified teachers could not explain with such clarity. It wasn't condescending when I didn't understand it thoroughly, but rather broke it down so beautifully that I gained clarity. Now, this might not be news to many of you, but I am scared.
I was under the impression that AI couldn't automate code, help in finance and law, but never truly replace human judgement and accountability. But then I asked around and learned that the arguments it made, the procedures or strategies it produced, were on par with or even better than those of experienced professionals. As people haven't truly understood the significance and strength of AI, the reality is going to hit hard — especially those who are going to college right about now.
I am an average student and wanted to pursue engineering in the mechanical field, as I liked it and wanted to join motorsports. I thought it was considerably AI-resistant, even when the job scenario in India regarding core branches is already poor. But at least if I slotted in, I would be more secure than the majority pursuing computer science. But how long will I be safe? As CS and other graduates fail to secure jobs in their fields, the core fields will start to flood, and already the field graduates are having a hard time.
I don't believe I have any distinguishable characteristics that would make me sought after in this changing market and world. This is making me very anxious about my future and I am unable to study. If this is only scratching the surface, and a lot of us who are not yet familiar with AI are still pursuing traditional fields to join an industry and build wealth — what now? The somewhat secure fields will start to get flooded, and only the cream of the crop will survive or thrive, while average students like me are going to have the hardest time scraping by.
Even after doing some research, I still believe I haven't really understood what AI could do. Many of us would think we do, but in reality we don't — I still thought AI was not going to cause such a massive ripple effect, which is closer than I could have thought.
When AI was initially introduced, it used to fumble a lot, but it has improved significantly, and many of you already know this. Please read the attached post and search METR — have a look, it will astound you.
Now, before the AI boom, people were recommending upcoming students to pursue creative fields or fields that require human judgement or touch. But looking at this progress — what now? Already a lot of the population is going to suffer in tech, as many chose it because it paid well, but now their need — especially that of freshers — will be nullified. I always used to believe that however average I was, if I worked hard and smart in a field I chose, I would be able to achieve all my dreams. But now it seems dystopian to me. I am finding it hard to muster the strength to study my favourite subjects.
I am finding it hard to go to college and get a degree that is already underappreciated, spending my parents' savings in the process. I am so terrified about what's to come, and I have even spoken with my parents, but they aren't understanding the magnitude either. Is it really beneficial to pursue a traditional degree anymore? And if so, which is the one that will outlast and at least won't be completely wiped out by AI? Please give me some suggestions about what field to pursue my graduation in.