Why AI is ‘a jetpack’ for some people: CNN’s Van Jones

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Artificial intelligence has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, becoming more prevalent in everyday life and inciting a mix of panic and inspiration in potential users.

While some worry that AI will replace many kinds of jobs, three-time New York Times bestselling author and CNN contributor Van Jones sees it a bit differently.

“What AI tools [do] is it gives you an unfair advantage,” Jones told Ross Mac during an episode of Yahoo Finance’s Financial Freestyle (see video above or listen below). “You can write, but it can help you write faster. You can research, but it can help you research faster. … It’s a jetpack.”

Jones pointed out that AI is still in the early stages, which potentially puts users on an even playing field. Many AI tools are currently available for users to get started for free, creating an entry point for just about everyone with access to the internet.

“You’ve got to use [AI] as something that’s going to help your skillset,” Jones added. “It’s almost like a digital assistant. Rather than thinking about it like ‘The Terminator,’ think about it like C-3PO or R2-D2.”

The official match ball is brought to the field by a person using a jetpack before Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday June 9, 2024. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) — The official match ball is brought to the field by a person using a jetpack before Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge, London, on June 9, 2024. (Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) (Bradley Collyer – PA Images via Getty Images)

Could AI ‘make Wakanda real’?

Much of Jones’s current work is focused on making AI accessible to the next generation and to marginalized communities. His organization, Dream Machine Innovation Lab, focuses on teaching young students of color how to use AI so they can bring it to their communities.

“I tell people all the time, AI can be your Iron Man suit,” Jones said. “You can pass up a whole bunch of people who maybe had other advantages, [and] you can close those gaps real fast if you’re using [AI].”

There’s no standardized curriculum for learning AI yet, but Jones believes young students looking to break generational cycles might be able to make that change by utilizing AI.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 24: Media personality Van Jones speaks onstage during during Day 2 of the 2024 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 24, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) — Media personality Van Jones speaks onstage during during Day 2 of the 2024 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 24, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images) (Paras Griffin via Getty Images)

“When I look at this next generation that’s coming up, I just see nothing but genius, magic, and opportunity,” Jones said. “Whenever you see a young person in trouble, there’s two things going on: The young person is letting themselves down, but there’s a whole bunch of adults who let them down first.”

Dream Machine Innovation Lab aims to “make Wakanda real” by putting the tools in the hands of the next generation, helping students of color make waves in the tech world, Jones said.

“Every industry is going to be disrupted — I’d rather for us to be doing the disruption,” he said.

Every Monday, Financial Freestyle host Ross Mac talks with key guests to discuss their wealth-building journeys and what it takes to build a lasting financial footprint. You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service.