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By now, AI news is everywhere these days: the incredible things you can do with it, the latest LinkedIn posts, new LLMs, agents, and even those long company-wide meetings telling employees what to do (and what not to do).
On one side, there are the enthusiastic early adopters who are all in. They are using AI to make decisions about their next vacation, perform advanced statistical analysis, or even write complex code to build new applications. For them, the possibilities are endless. A 2025 study by Ipsos and Google revealed that enthusiasm for AI’s possibilities (57 percent) now surpasses worries about its deployment risks (43 percent), a shift from the even 50/50 split observed the previous year.
On the other side are the cautious ones—those concerned that AI may erode our creativity, harm the environment, or diminish our ability to think critically and independently. Some fear it will eventually take our jobs. This caution isn’t unfounded; fifty-two percent of Americans express more concern than excitement about AI, with fears about losing the human element, job displacement, and data security (Pew Research Center, 2023).
If you look around among your family, coworkers, or friends, you probably know people on both ends of this spectrum. The discussions are intensifying as AI tools like ChatGPT become more integrated into our daily lives. For example, I’ve personally seen professors critique generative AI so harshly that students, such as one in my own family, have come to believe that using AI equates to laziness or intellectual inadequacy. This isn’t an isolated experience and its corroborated by a 2024 Center for Democracy and Technology Report that found out 52 percent of teachers agree that generative AI has made them more distrustful of whether their students’ work is actually theirs.
As you may have experienced, social stigma around using AI isn’t limited to the classroom. Almost everyone knows that person who says, “Oh, but you used ChatGPT for that,” is dismissing AI-assisted work as less valid or lacking genuine human input, creativity, and judgment. This kind of social pressure is real, as described by Louie Giray in his 2024 publication, where he explores the emerging phenomenon of “AI shaming”—the practice of criticizing or demeaning the use of AI. He also places it in historical context, comparing it to similar reactions that arise whenever powerful new technology challenges established norms and values.
If the divide between passionate AI advocates and skeptics isn’t disorienting enough, there’s also the self-proclaimed expert who jumps from one app to the next, confidently sharing opinions after surface-level use. For many in the business world, this noise adds to the uncertainty around whether and how to start integrating AI. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that only 34 percent of US adults have used ChatGPT, one of the most prominent AI platforms, while 20 percent remain entirely unaware of it. The reality is that despite the headlines and hype, most people and organizations are still in the early stages: testing, learning, and figuring out what actually drives value.
The good news is that this transformation is still unfolding. No one has a blueprint, and that leaves room to explore. New ideas and applications are being created and tested every day across industries. The possibilities are expanding faster than anyone can fully map, and no one truly knows where the limits are. It’s a rare window of open opportunity. In the end, as any good economist would say, the market will decide what sticks.
Learning ally or fixer?
If you view AI as a tool to enhance our performance, one of the first questions is whether it effectively improves learning. This question, combined with shared experiences and popular wisdom, appears to be one of the most critical inquiries about AI. A recent study by Wang and Fan found that ChatGPT has a significant positive impact on improving learning performance, a moderately positive effect on enhancing learning perception, and fosters higher-order thinking.
The study suggests that ChatGPT should be flexibly integrated into teaching as an intelligent tutor, learning partner, or educational tool, rather than being forbidden or demonized as a means of cheating. In STEM subjects such as mathematics, science, and physics, researchers have explored how ChatGPT can assist students by explaining complex principles and concepts, thereby increasing understanding and promoting genuine learning (Bitzenbauer, 2023; Leite, 2023).
However, other scholars argue that ChatGPT may hinder students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking (Hays et al., 2024; Rahman & Watanobe, 2023). Additionally, several experimental studies have found no significant difference in learning outcomes with ChatGPT (Bašić et al., 2023; Farah et al., 2023), while others suggest it may significantly reduce students’ creative writing abilities (Niloy et al., 2023).
Researchers remain divided on whether ChatGPT effectively promotes students’ learning performance, perception, and higher-order thinking. Personally, I believe one issue with some of these studies is their attempt to use AI as a substitute for a professor or course, which misses the point entirely. The data indicates that we are still in the early stages of this technological revolution. More importantly, we should not treat AI as a magical solution that will surpass human cognition. The path forward lies in considering diverse perspectives and forging our own approach. I view AI as a tool—not truly intelligent in the human sense—and we should not grant it excessive power, whether we are enthusiasts or skeptics. Like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the user. History supports this: for example, early users of Microsoft’s Seeing AI app in 2017 praised its time-saving text recognition for the visually impaired, but its success relied on user feedback to refine its limitations (Microsoft Accessibility Blog, 2017).
Are we being replaced?
As for job loss, let’s also look at the flip side. AI is creating new opportunities. Companies will need people who can use this technology wisely and integrate it into culture and operations. And believe it or not, that’s not just a technical job. It’s about experience, people skills, and human insight. We’re not going away. In healthcare, for instance, while 65 percent of Britons support AI for skin cancer screening, 60 percent are uncomfortable with it making final decisions, valuing human connection (Ada Lovelace Institute, 2023).
So why hire a professor if an AI can explain things? Why call a lawyer if a chatbot can draft a contract? The answer is simple: these jobs aren’t vanishing, they’re evolving. People still want human touch, judgment, and ability to connect. With AI in the mix, a professor, lawyer, or engineer can deliver the same quality work faster and with greater focus. That’s the real power of AI: it amplifies human capability, rather than replacing it.
We’ve seen this story before. When Microsoft Excel became mainstream, people feared bookkeeping jobs would vanish. And yes, from 1986 to 2000, the number of bookkeepers in the US fell from about 2 million to 1.5 million. But here’s what often gets missed: during that same period, accountant and auditor roles grew from 1.3 million to 1.5 million. Management analysts and financial managers nearly doubled, growing from around 600,000 to 1.2 million. Excel didn’t wipe out the profession, it raised the bar and shifted the focus. Routine tasks were automated, but demand for insight and strategy grew (Turner, 2023).
The same happened with ATMs. Fewer tellers were needed per branch, but as the cost of running branches dropped, banks opened more of them. The net result? More jobs, not fewer. The tools changed, the role evolved, and the workforce adapted.
AI is following the same pattern. It automates routine tasks, boosts productivity, and opens the door for more strategic, creative, and human-centered work. The risk isn’t the tech; it’s failing to prepare people for the shift.
Just look at photography. Every time technology improves, someone says the profession is dying. But in reality, better cameras made photography more accessible and elevated the work of professionals. The best photographers still thrive, now with better tools. The lesson? When the tools evolve, so do the people who know how to use them.
The bad news, the shift has started, as point out by a 2025 Ipsos and Google study that revealed that as AI adoption grows, attitudes are becoming more positive. Many professionals now see AI as a way to boost productivity and unlock higher-level work. The study highlighted that managing complex data (82 percent) and solving business problems (82 percent) are the top ways AI is being applied in today’s workforce.
AI gives us the ability to do things we once only dreamed of or didn’t have the skills to accomplish. It’s not here to replace you, it’s here to expand what you can do. You don’t need to be an expert. Just be curious. Start small. Explore what works for you. Maybe even ask an AI tool how you’re supposed to interact with it. You might be surprised by the answer.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that AI is here to stay. A 2025 University of Melbourne survey over 47 countries highlights the continued global growth of AI, with 66 percent of people regularly using it and an impressive 72 percent accepting its use in the marketplace. However, significant concerns remain with 54 percent of respondents express skepticism about trusting AI, especially when it comes to safety, security, and societal impact.
I use AI every day and genuinely enjoy exploring its possibilities and discovering new applications. This technology lets us “clone” ourselves in a way, helping us get more done in less time. Imagine achieving the same results in half the time or improving quality without extending your work hours. In my view, that’s only possible if we stay in control of the technology, not the other way around. So yes, using AI effectively still takes creativity, care, and knowledge.
So, don’t let anyone take your power away. AI is a tool, not your boss. Remember, retain control over your creativity and don’t let others dictate how you use it. As users, we hold the power. Picture the movie Tron: when the user enters the grid, everything shifts, and the programs recognize the user’s potential.
AI is merely an application. You are the user. You shape it, drive it, and elevate your creativity with it. From serious applications to creative endeavors like writing and producing your own song (as I recently did), don’t be afraid. Don’t feel pressured. Take your time, experiment, and forge your own path. There are no true experts in this revolution. Just people like you and me, curious, creative, and ready to illuminate the way forward.
Give it a try. Who knows? You might end up loving it.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Hispanic Executive or Guerrero Media.
Juan Loaiza, senior director of strategy and performance at Ankura Consulting Group, is a results-oriented and strategic leader with over thirteen years of comprehensive experience driving revenue growth and operational excellence. His background encompasses strategic planning, rigorous quantitative analysis, impactful team leadership, and consistent performance optimization across diverse industries. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Loaiza possesses a unique ability to navigate complex cultural and business landscapes within Brazil, Latin America, and the United States, fostering strong client relationships and achieving significant business outcomes.
Loaiza holds a master’s degree in public policy and dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and public administration from Michigan State University, as well as the following certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), PROSCI Change Management, and Professional Agile Leadership (PAL).
His expertise lies in developing and implementing data-driven strategies, optimizing operational processes, and leveraging technology to enhance operations alignment. Beyond traditional roles, Loaiza’s has worked with AI, cryptocurrency, and blockchain initiatives demonstrating his innovative mindset and understanding of emerging technologies that can be leveraged to enhance revenue operations. His creation of the cryptocurrency index Yenso further exemplifies his analytical skills and ability to identify and capitalize on market trends.
Furthermore, his leadership in revitalizing the ALPFA Nashville chapter since 2023 demonstrates his ability to build and lead a community, increase engagement through strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration—skills directly transferable to leading and aligning revenue teams.
