Is AI a Real Trend or a Fake Trend?

I am particularly excited to write about this topic and hear your thoughts, so here goes. Should we be scared of AI or is it an opportunity we can harness? And how should we react to it as an emerging technology?

One could argue, with all the recent advancements, that AI is not exactly "emerging" anymore — considering it has been under development since **1956**. Yes, that long ago.

My Belief

Let me start by saying: I believe AI is **real**, here to **disrupt**, and **not** a fake trend.

I've taken the time to learn about its basic uses, how to optimize my output using AI, and the many possible applications for my work and life.

Comparing AI to VR?

A friend of mine compared AI to VR. But I argue this isn’t a fair assessment.

Sam Altman explained it best: the issue with VR was that it created hype, but there was no _pressure_ to adopt it unless you had a specific investment or job function related to it. People realized they didn’t _need_ VR in their daily lives.

AI, on the other hand, is **everywhere** — embedded in the tools we already use:

- Meta products (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook)
- Snapchat filters
- Your calendar, search engine, keyboard (autocorrect, predictive text)
- Siri, Google Assistant
- CapCut, LinkedIn, image recognition

Whether we know it or not, AI is woven into our digital experiences.

What AI Really Is

AI — artificial intelligence — is a form of **machine learning** used in a wide variety of applications. It isn't just about robots or sci-fi stuff. It’s here now, and it’s powerful.

And no, not all industries will be affected equally. But here’s a tip:

The more computers you interact with in your job, the more likely AI will be embedded into your work processes.

Is It Coming for Our Jobs?

Let me be clear — I’m not saying AI is _coming for your job_ just because you use a computer. But I **can’t promise** it won’t challenge you, push you, or force you to stay relevant.

That’s what technological shifts have _always_ done. AI is no different — just bigger, faster, and more complex.

Widespread Accessibility

CEOs, company heads, and boards are talking about AI in the news and on LinkedIn. Free courses are popping up everywhere. I recently saw someo