Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s reshaping how we live, work and learn right now. To help make sense of this rapidly evolving technology, North Dakota State University College of Business faculty experts Linlin Chai and Limin Zhang share insights on what Al really is, how it’s already changing our daily lives and what it means for the future of business, education and careers.
What exactly is Al, and why is everyone talking about it now?
LC: Al didn’t just suddenly appear. It’s the form of our long-held wishes to move faster and work with less effort finally becoming a reality.
LZ: Well known examples of generative Al include ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. People can use these tools for content creation, productivity tasks, technical and business assistance, learning and tutoring, as well as leisure activities.
How is Al already showing up in our everyday lives?
LC: You might think Al belongs to the future, but ft’s already here. From navigation apps and personalized recommendations to keyboards that seem to finish your thoughts, it’s been quietly woven into your everyday life. It’s not a cold, distant robot. It’s more like a shadow quietly learning to move the way you do. Al isn’t waiting for you to master it, it’s been mastering you without you even noticing.
Should people be worried about Al taking over Jobs?
LZ: According to a Forbes article, Al is projected to fundamentally transform the global workforce by 2050. It is estimated that up to 60% of current jobs will require substantial changes and adaptations due to Al advancements. Jobs most at risk of being replaced by Al often involve repetitive or routine tasks that can be easily automated. On the other hand, business leaders of companies such as OpenAl and Ford predict that Al will redefine the workforce and create entirely new types of employment focused on human-machine collaboration such as prompt engineer, Al ethics officer and Al-assisted healthcare technician.
For students heading into college, how should they be thinking about Al as they plan classes and careers?
LZ: Students should prepare themselves fora new Al-driven workforce by focusing on developing digital competencies, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Employers increasingly value people who can bridge the gap between Al capabilities and business needs.
LC: You don’t need to rush into taking the “AIheavy” classes. Start by asking yourself: What kind of work do I want to be doing in the future? Al can speed up your journey, but it can’t decide the destination for you. Picking a major isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about finding the soil where you’re willing to plant yourself and grow.
How is the College of Business introducing students to Al tools and concepts?
LC: We don’t treat Al as a high-barrier technology, but as an everyday tool to expand students’ thinking and judgment, Our goal isn’t to train Al operators, but to nurture people who can question, integrate and engage in meaningful dialogue.
What are some of the biggest benefits of Al and what concerns should we be paying attention to?
LC: Al can help us move faster, from analyzing data quickly to connecting ideas broadly and expressing ourselves more creatively. It can even become a force for collaboration, making teams more aligned and processes smarter.
LZ: Concerns surrounding Al include job displacement, misinformation, privacy and copyright violations and security risks. Recent studies by researchers from MIS Media Lab, Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft also reveal that Al dependence may reduce functional brain connectivity and memory recall leading to weakened critical thinking skills.
"It's not a cold, distant robot. It's more like a shadow quietly learning to move the way you do."
With Al becoming more advanced, should people be worried about things like privacy or security?
LZ: Al systems present many of the same security and privacy risks associated with the internet, such as data breaches, cyberattacks, social engineering, spreading of fake information and the collection of sensitive information.
LC: The more Al understands you, the more you need to understand yourself, what you’re willing to share and what you need to protect. Have you noticed how ads, recommendations or autofill sometimes seem to read your unspoken thoughts? They’re not always malicious. Often, it’s the quiet result of you clicking “agree” several times for convenience. The real issue isn’t that AL is watching you, it’s whether you realize how much you’ve already revealed.
How can everyday families use Al to make life easier or more efficient?
Al can be your helper for small, everyday tasks like managing a shopping list, sparking ideas for your child’s writing or finding a recipe five minutes before dinner. It’s not here to replace you as a parent, partner or individual, but to free up time and space so you can truly be those things.
