By now, many of us have seen students booing commencement speakers when they mention AI in a positive light. AI has rightly come under renewed scrutiny amid the rise of data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, one of the most prominent AI companies, warned that AI could wipe out 50% of entry-level, white-collar jobs. These are the same jobs college graduates rely on to build careers, so it’s understandable that there is skepticism about AI among the youth and young professionals, of which I am a part. 

Nonetheless, America must also recognize that, whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay; the cat is already out of the bag. If America does not invest in AI, we risk China gaining dominance in this field, meaning they will set the terms of debate as AI shapes the global market. 

Thus, the right approach is to continue investing in the technology while addressing the economic impacts. America should not fear the AI future so much that it hands that future to China. It should lead it, regulate it, and ensure its benefits reach the workers most at risk from its disruption.

—Vaibhav Sinha