Artificial intelligence concerns are nothing new.

I am old man, I can remember my maths teacher telling us that we wouldn’t always have a calculator in our pockets in the future. Here am I writing this blog on a smartphone while travelling at 300kph on an ICE.  Perhaps I remember the doom sayers of the 15th century condemming Caxton’s printing meaning the art of handwriting would disappear. I have vague recollections of Plato moaning that if men  learn this new fangled writing, it will implant forgetfulness in their souls . They will cease to exercise memory because they rely on that which is written. 

My point being that the many of concerns about technology are never ever new. Thus the concerns about AI is not new.  I recall being fascinated by Alvin Toffler on TV talking about Future shock.  He published two more on similar topics a decade apart. His predictions are still relevant to our current AI-driven era. 

The Future According to Toffler:

Learning, Choosing, and Relating in the Age of Toffler

Alvin Toffler had a knack for predicting the future with eerie accuracy. In his trilogy—Future Shock, The Third Wave, and Powershift—he explored how society would evolve, particularly in how we learn, choose, and relate to one another.

Future Shock (1970) introduced us to the concept of “too much change in too short a period.” Imagine trying to drink from a firehose—that’s how Toffler described the overwhelming pace of change. He warned that this rapid change would leave us all feeling a bit like deer caught in the headlights, struggling to keep up with new technologies and societal shifts.New apps appear more frequently that the changes in fashion.

In The Third Wave (1980), Toffler described three waves of societal change: the Agricultural Age, the Industrial Age, and the Information Age. He predicted that the Information Age would revolutionize how we work, learn, and communicate. Gone were the days of factory lines and 9-to-5 jobs; welcome to the era of telecommuting, lifelong learning, and, of course, the internet1.it took Covidto finally realise this, but many of us continue to work from home.

Powershift (1990) took things a step further, examining how power dynamics would shift in this new age. Toffler argued that knowledge would become the ultimate currency, overshadowing traditional forms of power like wealth and brute force. In this new world, those who controlled information would hold the keys to the kingdom2.Say hi to the new Kings, they are mainly kings, from the search, social media and shopping firms.

The AI Revolution: Toffler’s Predictions Come to Life

Fast forward to today, and it’s like Toffler had a crystal ball. The AI revolution is here, and it’s transforming every aspect of our lives. Search engines and social media firms have become the new power brokers, wielding more influence than some governments. They know what we like, what we buy, and even what we might do next weekend. It’s like having a nosy neighbor who also happens to be a genius34.

AI is reshaping how we learn, making personalized education a reality. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all learning; now, AI can tailor educational content to fit each student’s unique needs. It’s like having a tutor who knows you better than you know yourself5.

When it comes to choosing, AI algorithms help us make decisions faster than ever. Whether it’s picking a movie on Netflix or deciding which route to take to avoid traffic, AI is our trusty sidekick, always ready with a suggestion. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps6.

And in terms of relating, social media platforms powered by AI have changed the way we connect with others. We can now maintain relationships with people across the globe, share our lives in real-time, and even find love online. It’s like having a social life on steroids, but without the awkward small talk4.

The Need for Lifelong Learning and Agile Methodology

So, what does all this mean for us mere mortals? Toffler’s insights remind us that the only constant is change. To thrive in this fast-paced world, we need to embrace lifelong learning. And not just any learning—agile learning. Agile methodology, originally developed for software development, emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and rapid iteration. It’s the perfect approach for navigating the ever-changing landscape of the Information Age5.

In conclusion, Alvin Toffler’s predictions were spot on, and his insights are more relevant than ever. As we ride the waves of the AI revolution, let’s remember to stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to the changes around us. After all, in the words of Toffler himself, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

Hope you enjoyed this take on Toffler’s work and its relevance today! Keep learning and stay agile! 🚀

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