The New Two Party System: Pro-AI vs Anti-AI
Taboos in the Workplace
Traditionally, the 3 B's should not be discussed: Bible, Ballots, Booze. Other topics come and go from this list: dating, profanity, gossip.
Recently, there’s been an A that doesn’t belong on the list but often ends up there: Artificial Intelligence.
The same uncomfortable laugh and awkward tension that follows a political joke is now being mirrored when AI is mentioned. Nobody does this when you Google something or talk about your favorite podcast... so why is AI a bad word now?
Fear and extremism are the real issues. People, regardless of their perspective, are afraid to express their extreme opinions on AI.
There is a new two party system: Pro-AI versus Anti-AI.
When I scroll through LinkedIn, I get whiplash. I see people post an obviously AI-curated image or thought and maybe even call it their own. The post below it includes people screaming about how AI is the end of the human race. Extreme perspectives get views.
Across interviews, workplaces, and even casual conversations, people hesitate to bring up their opinion on AI. Some fear it will discredit their work, others worry it will mark them as outdated, and many aren’t sure which side the other person belongs to.
The divide should not run this deep.
Learn Both Sides of Your Audience
The #1 piece of advice I have received throughout my collegiate career is to know your audience. Speaking up with an extremist view (same for religion, politics, and alcohol) will often lead you with a divided crowd. Understanding both sides and a balance of how to utilize AI, not rely on or banish it, will set you up to be an asset.
AI should be practical, not political.
The pro-AI side is focused on productivity, efficiency, innovating.
The anti-AI side is focused on overuse, lack of creativity, and a lack of awareness and clarity of when AI is being used.
The Real Sentiment on AI
Despite how loud the extremes sound, the middle ground is where most people stand.
Elon University did an incredible study on AI usage and opinions. Here are some of their findings of user thoughts on how these models will evolve and affect people’s lives in the future
28% see AI as more positive
20% more negative
32% equal mix
The majority is moderate.
Now let's dive deeper into how younger generations are using AI from a study conducted by The Verge.
Gen Z usage and feelings about AI: (If you are a Millennial or older, I am going to challenge you to pause your thoughts. Pause your back in my day voice.)
79% use AI tools, nearly half of them weekly.
Yet, 41% feel anxious and 36% feeling excited about AI
Even amongst those from different generations or that use AI weekly, there are mixed feelings of anxiety or excitement.
AI doesn’t have to be off-limits.
If we learn how to understand one another, AI can shift from a taboo to a tool.
This series is about balance, not extremes. My goal is to help people navigate AI conversations with confidence, not fear.
Upcoming in this series:
Pro-AI: Adopting AI with intention, not impulse (resist the shiny toy)
Anti-AI: AI will replace you if you let it (doing nothing isn’t the solution)
Reach out with how you might apply this to your life or any feedback and thoughts this piece sparked.
