Man has used technology since the first stone tools were invented, but today new technology seems to emerge constantly.

Obviously, not everyone uses every technology and there is some technology you can safely ignore. For example, if you weren’t one of the people who bought 25 million citizens band (CB) radios between 1973 and 1974, you forfeited nothing of lasting value.

But other technology has become an essential part of everyday life. When Tim Berners-Lee developed the first web browser to create the World Wide Web, only a relative few understood how it would shape our world. For most of us, the internet was a lot like the CB radio, a fun diversion and a hobby. Now, younger generations cannot imagine a world without the internet.

Today, the biggest advancement in technology is in the field of Artificial Intelligence, AI for short. Generally, AI refers to computers doing tasks that normally require human intelligence. These AI systems have essentially “learned” the entirety of the internet and can provide very fast answers to virtually any question.

It’s a technology that will very quickly change the labor market.

Accounting giant Accenture is in the rapid process of embracing AI. In the past three months, the company has laid off 11,000 employees. Notably, in a press release the company suggested employees who couldn’t be “reskilled” to work with AI could be cut still.

“It’s very clear that AI is going to change literally every job,” said Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, leader of the nation’s largest private employer. “Maybe there’s a job in the world that AI won’t change, but I haven’t thought of it.”

Given that inevitability, everyone should begin to learn how to use AI. If you haven’t already, go to ChatGPT.com, Gemini.Google.com or Grok.com, and create a free account.

Start by simply asking it any question. And when you receive a response, ask it a follow-up question.

You’ll be amazed.

It sounds basic, but those are the first steps in making sure you won’t be left behind with this new technology.

One thing that is often true with emerging technology is that people are fearful of what it can do. Certainly, tools can be weaponized. AI is no different.

But we encourage you to put aside that fear. In fact, the following three paragraphs explaining why you should embrace AI rather than shrink from it were produced by Gemini.

You shouldn’t fear AI because it is designed to augment human capabilities, not replace them. While concerns about job displacement exist, AI primarily handles repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more creative and strategic work.

It can also create new jobs and enhance existing ones by making them safer, easier, and more productive. AI cannot replicate human creativity or emotions.

The key is to approach AI with curiosity and a willingness to explore how it can collaborate with us, transforming experiences for the better.

Thanks, Gemini. We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.