Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly, particularly due to improvements in Large Language Models. Even if these advancements were to halt today, current models would still significantly impact our lives.
This raises the question: what skills should we develop to make the best use of this technology? I’m writing from my perspective as a writer and blogger, but I believe much of this will also be relevant to those considering skills for the workplace.
We will be living alongside this technology, which has the potential to transform our lives for both better and worse.
Adapting thoughtfully is key to using AI in a way that ensures you benefit from its advancements.
Understanding AI Fundamentals
As with using a computer, you don’t need to understand all the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, a fundamental understanding of the underlying technology will improve your ability to use it effectively.
Large Language Models are trained using a combination of Machine Learning and human input.
You should develop a basic understanding of the AI you’re likely to encounter. In 2025, this will primarily be generative Artificial Intelligence, most of which will use Large Language Models (LLMs).
Be aware of the capabilities and limitations of current Large Language Models. These limitations include the potential to fabricate information convincingly.
AI might also provide inappropriate or biased responses. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the model itself, as the underlying data often contains the same biases, reflecting prejudices present within our society.
As Amir Husain argues in The Sentient Machine, Artificial Intelligence’s evolution towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will see it act as a mirror to humanity.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a type of AI that can perform a wide range of tasks at human-like levels and is likely to have the ability to set its own goals. Currently, no general models operate at this level.
Predictions for when Artificial General Intelligence will be achieved vary, with the current median forecast being between 2027 and 2040.
In this context, the singularity refers to a technological singularity: when a new technology is likely to have such a significant impact on civilisation that predicting its consequences becomes extremely difficult. Artificial General Intelligence is likely to represent such a technological singularity.
As you learn the fundamentals, experiment with different models and learn how to write effective prompts (prompt engineering). Many models offer free tiers, so find the ones that work best for you.
Once you’ve found a model you like, concentrate on mastering its features and integrating it into your workflows. However, remain open to experimentation.
Stay up to date with the latest news, as Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving field.
The power of critical thinking
The first section of this post examined the technological aspects. The remainder focuses on the human side of the equation: the skills we need to develop to maximise this incredible technology, both now and in the future.
“In this section, I want to examine a crucial human skill that we should all learn alongside reading, writing, mathematics and digital literacy: critical thinking.
Critical thinking is the ability to form your own ideas and arguments, enabling you to think for yourself.
Critical thinking requires us to question our assumptions and consider the perspectives of others. This is a skill I am personally working on improving.
The ability to think critically will help protect you from the increasing risk of both accidental and deliberate misinformation.
Thinking for yourself in the age of AI
“In this section, I want to share my biggest concern about living with Artificial Intelligence (AI), including this generation of models: the risk of losing our ability to think for ourselves.
“As someone in my 50s, I remember a time before computers, let alone smartphones. I was raised to think for myself, which leads to one of my biggest concerns regarding Large Language Models: the potential erosion of independent thought.
One of the reasons I’ve developed a love of writing since I started blogging in October 2020 is that writing, not just for my blog, but also in my journals and Zettelkasten is that it has improved my ability to think.
If we allow Large Language Models to do all the writing for us, will it reduce our ability to think? Will the benefits of using AI as a thinking partner outweigh the risks?
That’s why I deliberately write the first draft of every blog post, maintain my journaling practice, and process my notes into my Zettelkasten system independently. I want to preserve my ability to think for myself.
That doesn’t mean I don’t use AI, but I do so on my terms. Take this blog post as an example: I asked Obsidian Copilot, a community plug-in for Obsidian, to use the knowledge in my vault to summarise the skills I thought were essential for thriving alongside AI.
It suggested skills related to a fundamental understanding of how AI works, but nothing about critical thinking or the importance of thinking for yourself.
When I asked about critical thinking, it agreed that I saw it as a fundamental requirement based on my notes and highlighted the importance of being able to practice thinking for yourself, which I had noted myself.
The point I’m trying to make is that AI is a great tool for thinking, but only if you can think for yourself. To get the best use out of the technology, don’t relinquish your ability to think; maintain your mental independence.
Conclusion
These skills are likely to evolve rapidly as the technology changes and we learn more about how to interact with it. Therefore, you and I have a responsibility to stay informed about the rapid changes in AI.
I will continue to reconsider the skills I need to learn and share them with you on this blog.
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Further reading
- Introductory guide to Large Language Model
- Matt Burgess, How ChatGPT and Other LLMs Work-and Where They Could Go Next
- The Sentient Machine: Key Takeaways on AI, Humanity, and Our Future
- We will reach the singularity by 2035 by Danny Sullivan
- Shari Keller, What Do We Mean by ‘Critical Thinking’ and Why Is It So Important to Teach Our Kids