What If We’re Not Ready for AI?

AI is evolving so rapidly that it’s doubtful any of us can realistically claim to be fully prepared for what’s next. In the past two weeks, OpenAI released GPT-4o Image Generation—once again offered for free—aiming to revolutionize how we create and interact with visual content.

Google also unveiled Gemini 2.5 Pro, now featuring built-in chain-of-thought reasoning activated with a simple toggle. According to Google, post-training enhancements have boosted its performance beyond the base model, a claim supported by observations from industry experts.

For instance, Prof. Ethan Mollick wrote that it "really does seem to be much more capable than any other released AI model, including other big reasoners." He added that it demonstrates a significant leap in understanding complex queries and providing accurate, nuanced responses – pointing to high scores in some of the most challenging tests designed for AI models today.

Too much, too fast

In the real world, the asymmetric and fast-evolving capabilities of AI mean the jobs it touches are changing rapidly, with each new release triggering waves of impact – which, like GPT-4o Image Generation, is often exciting, sometimes unsettling.

Ultimately, these improvements are closing the gap in tasks once thought to be the sole domain of humans. Niche roles are being redefined or absorbed altogether, and many more tasks that once seemed out of reach for machines are now within striking distance. As this trend continues, it’s probably only a matter of time before actual jobs are lost to AI.

AI prompting skills likely won’t remain valuable for long either, as each new generation of models improves. Prompting is becoming less important than it was in earlier versions. Reasoning models now understand context and nuance far better, and can infer intent without requiring precise instructions.

AI as the first choice

Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke told employees in a memo this week that the company won’t be hiring unless it’s clear AI can’t do the job instead. The decision reflects a growing trend: AI capabilities are becoming essential, not optional, in today’s workforce.

The memo stated that effective use of AI is now “a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify.” Lütke urged employees to experiment with the technology, build new skills, and share insights with colleagues, aiming to make AI usage second nature across the company.

“It’s a tool of all trades today, and will only grow in importance. Frankly, I don’t think it’s feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest – I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow. Stagnation is almost certain, and stagnation is slow-motion failure. If you’re not climbing, you’re sliding,” he said.

Lütke isn’t the only CEO promoting AI adoption in the workplace. Of course, while AI can enhance productivity, these tools are still prone to error, even when given explicit instructions, and often lack the human touch required for certain tasks.

Image credit: iStock/rancescoch