#12 MondayNote: Embracing Learning Machines in Our Lives

In the realm of technology, terms are often hyped and convoluted. “Artificial Intelligence” is a prime example. It’s so vague that its analytical content is almost nil — it can mean nothing or almost everything. I believe “Machine Learning” more accurately captures what’s happening. We now have machines that can learn: learning machines.

Reframing AI as learning machines offers a different perspective. At its core, this transformation is about learning, growth, and adaptation to new transformative technology — machines that learn. For humans, the process of learning involves navigating through uncertainty, frustration, and even anxiety. But as Dr Andrew Huberman points out, it is precisely in moments of challenge and discomfort that learning catalyzes within our brains.

As we integrate learning machines into our daily lives, we’re not just adopting another IT trend; we’re taking the first steps with a general-purpose technology. This is akin to the advent of electricity, microchips, or internet protocols — inventions that have fundamentally altered the course of our existence. And we have learned to live with them, too.

What’s truly remarkable is that we’ve mastered binary code, the language of 1s and 0s, which has paved the way for machines that learn. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment where our most powerful capability — human language — is understood by machines. We must learn to harness this partnership for the greater good, ensuring that the benefits of learning machines extend to all.

It’s also good to remember that, despite the transformative power of technology, some aspects of life remain unchanged. Love, culture, creativity, and the basic necessities of life — shelter, food, water, and nature — continue to be central to our existence.

The layers of technology add to our lives but don’t revolutionize everything in humanity. We still cherish paintings on our walls. Music and singing, perhaps the oldest algorithms of human civilization, still resonate with us deeply.

Yet, I am quite convinced that work will fundamentally change. This time is different. What’s new is that humans and machines are now learning together. The practical implications of this for daily work remain somewhat ambiguous.

To effectively navigate these changes, companies should develop new skills and processes that incorporate learning machines. It is crucial for organizations to measure how employees are adopting new ways of thinking and working. Most importantly, companies should cherish an innovative culture that encourages experimentation, embraces bold and novel ideas, and ensures effective implementation on a large scale.

It’s a tall order. Fortunately, we can rely on very powerful methods we have previously invented: experimentation, learning by doing, tinkering, and fostering creativity, all while maintaining clarity in our thoughts and language.