AI: The Dinosaur that Will Not Die

Screen capture from Jurassic Park
by Vincent R. Pozon

Jurassic Park, the iconic American science fiction adventure thriller film of Steven Spielberg that brought dinosaurs to life on the big screen, highlights the transformative impact of technology.

In one scene, where the characters rest up in a tree for the night, Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) fishes his raptor claw out of his pocket and stares at it. Lex Murphy (Ariana Richards) asks Grant what he will do now "that he no longer has to dig up dinosaur bones". His response is both wise and prescient: "I don't know. I guess we'll just have to evolve, too."

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will inevitably disrupt and transform entire industries. Jobs that were once considered safe from automation may become obsolete, while new jobs will arise that require expertise in AI and related technologies.

Just like how Alan Grant's career as a paleontologist is rendered obsolete in the movie, workers in certain industries may also find their skills and expertise no longer in demand as AI becomes increasingly prevalent. However, as Grant suggests, adaptation is key. Workers must remain nimble in order to stay relevant in the face of these technological changes. This means embracing new technologies, acquiring new skills, and finding new ways to add value to their organizations.

Those who are able to adapt to the changing times will thrive, while those who cling to outdated skills risk becoming obsolete.