Microsoft’s Work Trend Index report recently revealed a statistic that caught my eye.
A whopping 86% of people want to use AI to summarise their meetings. Now, that’s a number worth talking about, isn’t it?
We’re all swamped with meetings that seem to go on forever, and if a tool can help us cut through the noise, why not use it? The allure of new technology, especially something as buzzworthy as AI, can often cloud our judgment.
The problem with being starstruck by technology
We live in an age where AI is often treated like the second coming of the tech gods.
It’s heralded as the solution to all our problems, from climate change to healthcare. But let’s not forget, any tool—no matter how advanced—is only as good as the problem it solves.
Read that line again. Let it sink in.
The issue isn’t with the technology itself but with our inflated expectations of what it can do.
While AI has the potential to revolutionise various aspects of our lives, it’s not going to bring about world peace or build a utopian society overnight.
And guess what? Most of us are okay with that. We’re not looking for a miracle. We’re looking for practical solutions to everyday problems.
What do we really want from tech?
The majority of us are simple creatures.
We want to offload tasks that are frustrating, time-consuming, or downright boring so we can focus on things that bring us joy or add value to our lives.
That’s where AI comes in handy. But before you jump on the AI bandwagon (or any tech bandwagon) , it’s crucial to identify the use case first.
Don’t get swept away by market expectations or the latest trends.
The Four-Step Approach to Smart Tech Use
When discussing the adoption of any new technology, especially something as complex as AI, it’s essential to have a structured approach.
Here’s a little cheat sheet to guide your conversations:
- Use Case: What problem are you trying to solve?
- Problem: Why is this issue important?
- Task: What specific tasks need to be accomplished to solve the problem?
- Tool: Which tool can best accomplish these tasks?
Notice the order?
It’s easy to get excited about a new tool and make the mistake of putting it at the top of your list. Don’t. Always start with the problem you’re trying to solve.
Final thoughts
Digital technology has a lot to offer, but it’s not a magic wand.
They’re tools, and like any tool, they need to be used wisely.
So the next time you find yourself seduced by the latest AI tool, take a step back and ask yourself: “What problem am I trying to solve?”
Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
Before you go… 👋
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