Artificial Intelligence Isn’t Coming, It’s Here!

As Bob Dylan once said, “The times, they are a-changin’.”  From rotary phones to pagers, floppy disks to console TVs—the relics of yesterday remind us how quickly technology evolves.  Like it or not, unless you're living completely off the grid, change is no longer optional. Innovation moves fast, and with every upgrade or software update, the old ways are left behind, often before we’re ready.

The beauty of old technology lies in its unexpected comeback. Film cameras, vinyl records, manual typewriters, mechanical watches, and even handwritten letters have all found their way back into our lives—proving they still hold meaning and magic. In disaster zones, shortwave and ham radios remain essential tools. Gen Z is embracing the art of slowing down, finding joy in film photography and the quiet rhythm of the darkroom. And there’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic crackle of a vinyl record—imperfections and all—bringing the past to life in the most intimate way.

Artificial intelligence  (AI”) holds incredible promise—it can improve healthcare, streamline daily tasks, boost productivity, and even help solve global challenges. But it also comes with serious concerns, including job displacement, privacy risks, and the potential for misuse or bias. Like any powerful tool, its impact depends on how responsibly we choose to use it.

Our world is changing.  Bill Gates states that AI will replace doctors, teachers and more in the next ten years - making humans unnecessary “for most things.”  The rise of artificial intelligence is no longer a distant possibility—it’s a present reality. Every worker now faces a difficult question: Will my job survive the changes AI is bringing?

Do we wait, hoping our roles remain untouched? Or is it time to start thinking about new paths, new skills, and perhaps even a new career?

These are not easy questions, but they are necessary ones. The future of work is changing fast, and the sooner we face it with honesty and courage, the better prepared we’ll be to adapt—and thrive.

Artificial intelligence can support journalism in many ways, but it will never replace true investigative reporting.  Investigative journalism relies on something AI doesn’t have—human instinct, empathy, and courage. Great reporters follow hunches, build trust with sources, and dig deep into stories that algorithms would miss. They understand the social and emotional context behind the facts, and they ask hard questions not just for information, but for accountability.

AI can process data, but it cannot earn someone’s trust. It can summarize events, but it can’t feel the weight of injustice or stand up to power. Investigative journalism is not just about facts—it’s about people. And that is something only a human can do.

As we look to the future of journalism, one thing remains clear: while AI can process data and generate content, it can’t replace the trust, integrity, and human connection built by real reporters. Investigative journalism, thoughtful storytelling, and community accountability come from people who live among us, ask the tough questions, and care deeply about the truth. That’s why your local newspaper matters more than ever—because real journalism needs a real heart behind it.