Sure, AI might eliminate your job. It can also help you find a new one! | Retire on Track

Evan GuidoEvan Guido
Evan Guido

You’ve seen news reports about how ChatGPT and other AI language models are going to revolutionize business. You’ve also seen articles and commentary expressing fear that students will rely on them to write papers, or mocking the answers AI search engines provide.

I can see these new models having plenty of applications in business but not eliminating the need for human intervention and guidance. And luckily, ChatGPT agrees with me. When I asked whether it was going to replace humans, this is the response I got:

“As an AI language model, I'm not designed or intended to replace humans. Instead, my purpose is to assist and augment human intelligence and capabilities by processing and analyzing vast amounts of information and providing insights and responses in natural language.

“While AI and automation technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable, there are many tasks and roles that require human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. For example, jobs that involve interpersonal interactions, creative problem-solving, and complex decision-making are less likely to be fully automated in the near future.

“Instead of replacing humans, AI and automation technologies are likely to transform the nature of work and the skills required for success in the 21st century. This will require individuals and organizations to adapt and develop new skills and capabilities that complement and leverage the strengths of AI and automation.

“In summary, AI language models like myself are not designed or intended to replace humans, but rather to augment and assist human intelligence and capabilities in various contexts.”

I’ve seen enough science fiction movies to know not to trust this answer. But at the same time, I think the applications for investing have a way to go before they’re really useful. I tried asking ChatGPT several questions about investing, and it wasn’t terribly helpful.

For example, when I asked about revenue and earnings growth for a company, the response said that the data cutoff was September 2021. The AI model did a decent job retrieving information that I would need to dig for in financial statements and conference calls and creating a sensible narrative around them.

But if I were doing a deep dive into a company, I still would have to look at the primary sources of information to make sure the numbers were correct. I’m not ready to trust an AI language model to assess the quality of information it’s selecting.

And, no, ChatGPT is careful not to dispense advice about investments.

What can we do now with this technology? My feeling is that for now, it’s the first draft of a first draft. It can help organize your thinking and give you paths to explore.

I’ve also seen articles detailing how you can use it today. One of the most intriguing uses is the technology’s ability to help you write a resume and cover letter.

So the bad news is that it might eliminate your job. But the good news is that it will help you get a new one.

Evan R. Guido is the founder of Aksala Wealth Advisors LLC, a 2018 Forbes Next-Gen Advisors List Member, and Financial Professional at Avantax Investment ServicesSM. Evan heads a team of retirement transition strategists for clients who consider themselves the “Millionaire Next Door.” He can be reached at 941-500-5122 or eguido@aksalawealth.com. Read more of his insights at heraldtribune.com/business. Securities offered through Avantax Investment ServicesSM, member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory ServicesSM, insurance services offered through an Avantax-affiliated insurance agency. 6260 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: EVAN GUIDO: ChatGPT: 'I’m here to help you, not replace you'

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