AI and the Death of Expertise: Why Experts Still Matter
AI fills knowledge gaps. Expertise fills the gaps AI can’t.
EXPERT OPINION BY LOUISE K. ALLEN, CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER, PLANVIEW
If the vast, always-on, and easily accessible knowledge base of the modern internet ushered in the Death of Expertise, as Thomas M. Nichols lamented nearly a decade ago, then AI put the final nail in the coffin.
The technology, the line goes, makes it possible for anyone to do nearly anything, quickly and with little traditional training. In the age of the generalist, everyone’s opinion — whether they asked ChatGPT or have a PhD — is equally informed.
On some level, it is true. Formal training is less important than in years past. AI opens doors for individuals to explore new fields, dive into passion projects, and expand their skills. Then, it removes “knowing the details” from the list of barriers to execution.
Suddenly, salespeople can write code. Marketers can try their hands at analytics. Accountants can dabble in content creation on the side. The AI model fills in the gaps that once stood between interest and implementation.
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It’s a whole new world. But there’s a distinction that’s missed in the “death of expertise” narrative that’s become so common. Walking away with a finished product isn’t the same as walking away with something valuable.
Knowledge, distance, and diminishing returns
With a good generative AI tool, anyone can produce nearly anything and have it look polished, finished, and functional. However, looks can be deceiving, especially to those who don’t know the right questions to ask or the right time to ask them.
A recent Stanford-Harvard study asked a group of workers from a single company to conceptualize and write two articles for the organization’s website, with varied access to AI tools throughout. These individuals were divided into three groups:
Source: www.inc.com
