You can always tell where we are in the evolution of a new technology by the tone of the headlines about it. Opinions about generative AI tools like ChatGPT currently tend towards hyperbole. The technology will either destroy entire industries, or it is laughably inept and overhyped. Neither of these presents a useful picture of the situation.

We tend to focus on GenAI’s flashiest use cases – its ability to quickly spit out glitchy pictures of dolphins driving muscle cars or dreadful high school essays on Macbeth. Its real power, in my experience, is as a classic force multiplier, something that extends my ability to do my work and run my business. It doesn’t replace my effort; it augments it.