Gen AI vs Human Learning – Can We be in ‘Perpetual Beta’?

The world is changing faster than ever, and one of the driving forces behind this transformation is Generative AI (GenAI). Unlike us, who sometimes resist change, GenAI is built to learn continuously like . Every time it generates a response, it asks for feedback—whether through a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, explicit corrections, or user interactions. This relentless cycle of learning and refinement allows AI to evolve at an exponential rate.

We Struggle With Learning

While GenAI thrives on feedback, we often struggle with it. Many of us have a fixed mindset, clinging to the need to be right rather than embracing growth. Feedback can feel personal, bruising our egos and making us defensive. Pride, fear, or even exhaustion can get in the way of continuous improvement. Unlike AI, we have emotions, and sometimes, we just don’t want to hear that we’re wrong (especially from our spouses :P)!

But hey, it’s okay to step back and chill. Unlike machines, we (definitely I) need rest and reflection to process learning. But if we avoid growth altogether, we risk stagnation. In a world where AI never stops improving, those who resist learning will find themselves left behind.

Does AI Really Learn Like Humans?

It’s important to clarify that while AI appears to learn, it doesn’t do so in the way humans do. AI improves based on patterns, probabilities, and data, refining responses without true understanding. Humans, however, learn through experience, emotional depth, and the ability to connect everything with everything else across different contexts. AI can simulate intelligence, but it lacks genuine comprehension or wisdom.

Additionally, human growth is not just about efficiency or optimization. Sometimes, stagnation, failure, and introspection lead to the biggest breakthroughs! There is a balance between self-acceptance and continuous evolution, something AI cannot yet grasp.

The Power of the ‘Perpetual Beta’ Mindset

Jamie Flinchbaugh, in his book People Solve Problems talks about having a “perpetual beta” mindset, where one constantly seeks improvement. It sounds tiring to me but I guess GenAI operates in that ‘perpetual beta’ state—it is never truly finished, always refining, iterating, and improving. Instead of fearing feedback, we should welcome it as a tool for growth. Instead of resisting change, we should view ourselves as evolving works in progress.

Well, this is an ideal we should strive towards BUT we should do so while prioritizing of our well-being.

The key isn’t to compete with AI’s ability to learn faster—it’s to leverage what makes us uniquely human. We bring creativity, emotions, intuition, and even randomness to the table. While AI can generate art, music, and text, it lacks the depth of human experience. Our ability to tell stories, feel deeply, and think outside the box remains our greatest strength!

Leveraging AI to Amplify Human Potential

Rather than fearing AI, we should use it as an ally to enhance our own abilities. AI can process vast amounts of information, but humans can interpret meaning, infuse emotion, and make connections that machines can’t. The best future is not AI versus humans—it’s AI empowering humans.

That said, the rapid rise of AI can be intimidating. I do sometimes resist AI-driven learning not just out of ego, but because I feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change. I can’t keep up! Where do I start? What do I do? Sigh. One prompt at a time I guess.

We have to though. By embracing lifelong learning, fostering curiosity, and using AI as a tool rather than a threat, we position ourselves to thrive! Unfortunately (or fortunately) growth is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. The choice is simple: learn, adapt, and evolve—or risk being left behind by a world that never stops moving forward.

Or maybe some of us want to be left behind? What’s wrong with that? Let’s discuss that in another article.

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