How can we stay human, curious and resilient as artificial intelligence reshapes our lives?
We are standing on the brink of a transformation.
Throughout history, certain technologies have reshaped what it means to be human.
The printing press amplified knowledge.
Electricity-powered cities.
The Internet connected the globe.
Now, we face another profound turning point: living alongside artificial intelligence.
Unlike past innovations, AI is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before. In just a few years, machine learning has gone from niche research to powering creativity, medicine and decision-making, writing code, generating art, diagnosing diseases and even advancing science itself.
And as this change unfolds, people’s responses vary. Some greet it with excitement, eager to harness AI’s potential. Others feel anxiety, worried about risks and unintended consequences. Many are still trying to grasp how deeply it may shape their lives.
As Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, puts it:
Artificial intelligence is no longer just another technology.
It is a new form of life.
When the Future Felt Like Science Fiction
This isn’t the first time I’ve felt we were standing at the edge of a new world.
In the early 90s, after living for three years in Australia, I returned to Argentina. I worked under a French boss, Jean-Yves, who had come from IBM France to help merge Argentine Telecom with major European telecommunications companies.
We were a group of young consultants, and he made it his mission to expand our horizons.
One day, Jean-Yves gathered us in the company’s small theatre to watch a short film about the future. I remember two things that felt like pure science fiction at the time:
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We would talk on the phone using our wristwatches.
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We would talk on the phone while driving.
Both ideas seemed unbelievable. And yet, in just a few decades, they became part of daily life.
Jean-Yves believed in preparing for the unknown.
Now, more than 25 years later, I feel we are at a similar crossroads. But this time, it’s not about phones or watches, it’s about AI reshaping almost every part of our lives.
The Promise & Responsibility of AI
AI brings extraordinary possibilities. It is predicted that in just 5 to 15 years, it will transform healthcare, education, work and leisure.
AI assistants may help manage our lives. AI doctors could personalise treatments. AI tutors might adapt to each learner’s needs. As Stuart Russell puts it:
If we do it right, AI could be the best thing ever to happen to humanity.
But doing it right means facing big questions:
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How do we design AI to serve fairness, dignity and well-being?
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How do we prevent it from deepening inequality or causing unintended harm?
A Glimpse Into Daily Life: 10 Years Ahead
I am not an AI expert, but based on what I’ve been reading, I can see how AI might transform our daily lives in ways that seem almost unimaginable today.
Ten years from now, AI could seamlessly enhance nearly every part of our routine.
Imagine waking up at just the right moment because your AI assistant has tracked your sleep cycles.
Your home adjusts the temperature and lighting for your comfort.
Breakfast is designed to support your health goals.
At work, an AI co-pilot helps organise your day, clear your inbox, draft proposals and support smarter decisions; like having a super-intelligent assistant who understands your needs better than any human ever could.
Your children learn with AI tutors that adapt in real time.
Commuting becomes effortless with self-driving vehicles and AI-optimised traffic or unnecessary, thanks to lifelike virtual meetings.
Leisure could mean AI-curated art, music and immersive experiences tailored to your mood.
This future may sound as unbelievable as video calls on wristwatches once did. But it’s coming fast. And what it becomes will depend on the choices we make now.
Small Steps to Prepare
The future of AI isn’t just something to watch happen; it’s something we can help shape. Even small actions can make a difference:
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Commit to lifelong learning. Take a course on AI fundamentals or data literacy. Stay curious.
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Embrace adaptability. Try new tools. Give yourself permission to experiment, learn and adjust.
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Strengthen human skills. Focus on creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and ethical judgment — the qualities that make us human.
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Collaborate with AI. Explore how AI can help automate routine tasks so you can focus on meaningful work.
These are steps I’m trying to take myself, and I’ll admit, some days it feels challenging.
The Questions That Will Shape Our Future
This is the moment to ask:
- How do we ensure AI reflects our deepest values?
- Who decides how it is designed, deployed, and governed?
- How do we help people adapt as jobs and skills evolve?
- Can AI serve well-being and sustainability, not just efficiency?
- How do we guard against bias, misuse and harm?
- What kind of world do we want to build, and what kind of humans do we want to become?
How I’m Personally Navigating This New Chapter
I won’t pretend I have all the answers; not even the experts do. Some days I feel inspired by the possibilities of AI. Other days, I feel overwhelmed, wondering if I’m doing enough to keep up.
But what I try to hold onto is this: we each have a choice in how we respond. We can choose to stay curious, to keep learning and to work toward a future where technology serves what matters most: human dignity, fairness and connection.
We are not just witnesses to this change.
We are its architects.
And if we act with wisdom and courage, we can help ensure this next chapter uplifts us all.
I choose to believe that AI will not define our future.
We will.
