3 ways AI is killing ageism
I regularly see seasoned (a nice word for older) professionals from the creative industries dismiss AI as “fake” or frame it as an “either-or” dilemma: inspiring human creativity versus boring machine output.
But here’s an idea: AI isn’t replacing creativity – it’s reshaping it.
Why do older professionals (40+) have an edge?
Domain expertise = force multiplier
Years of experience enable seasoned workers to “prompt & guide” AI with nuance younger professionals lack.
Sharper quality control
Deep knowledge allows experienced professionals to evaluate better and refine AI’s output.
More time for problem-solving
AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing up your expertise for complex, strategic thinking.
Younger workers may be tech-savvy, but it takes years to develop the contextual knowledge needed to extract meaningful results from AI. This shift isn’t limited to designers or writers – it applies to all knowledge workers. Whether you work in marketing, finance, HR, or coaching, the expectation is the same: solve problems faster and more creatively. AI is available 24/7 and patiently waiting.
What are some of the things holding us back?
Fear of replacement
It’s unsettling to see AI make creativity and problem-solving accessible to the masses.
Romanticizing tradition
Many view traditional processes as mysterious and sacred – but AI disrupts that narrative.
Misunderstanding AI’s role
AI isn’t the competition; it’s a productivity and intelligence boost, especially for those of us experiencing natural cognitive decline.
How to capitalize on AI: The AI Mindset
Think of AI as a super-smart intern – brilliant and tireless, but without your guidance, he/she can – and probably will – miss the mark. Here’s how to make AI work for you:
Be curious
Ask questions, explore ideas, and experiment with AI – one small prompt at a time.
Use your expertise.
Your experience adds depth to AI outputs. When you combine your domain knowledge with AI capabilities, the results are more nuanced and impactful.
Stay in Control.
AI is your co-pilot, but you’re the pilot. It can generate ideas, but you decide the direction. AI is powerful but imperfect – it has biases, it hallucinates, and sometimes, it loses the plot completely.
Start using AI!
AI is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and a potential ageism killer.
The choice is simple: resist and risk irrelevance, or adapt (even a bit) and thrive. AI isn’t a threat – it can be our career accelerator.
What do you think? Is AI a threat or a transformation tool?