The Highlander AI...TAKING OVER THE WORLD By: Eliayna Burnett The Oxford Dictionary defines artificial intelligence as the application of computer systems capable of performing tasks or producing output that generally require human intelligence.This phenomenon has become widespread in the past couple of years. What would have seemed fictitious and impossible a decade ago is now a common occurrence almost everywhere. With the rise of extensive AI use, many businesses and fields began integrating it into their systems. However, as AI progresses in skill and capability, it raises the question of its place in human fields: Specifically, whether AI will become more harmful than helpful.
As of March 2025, research by Exploding Topics showed that 77% of companies are either using or exploring AI in their businesses, and 83% claim AI is a top priority in their business plans. Nine out of 10 organizations support AI for a competitive advantage. The National University estimates that AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. They also estimate that by 2025, AI might eliminate 85 million jobs but create 97 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs. All these benefits are suitable for the future, but is it all too good to be true?
Editor In-Chief Magdalen Carlson
Design & Art Director Tristan Naumann
Reporters Helena Cortelli Eliayna Burnett Reuel Jabali Evan Parris Karisa Hood Danielle Caldwell
Photographer Malachi Armantrout Miguel Bittencourt
Cartoon Art Design Joash Alvarez
Sponsors Stephanie Rufo Melissa Weisner
Businesses will benefit from widespread AI use, including lower costs, reduced human error and risk and easier data acquisition and analysis. But what of the 85 million jobs AI will eliminate? Simple, or “unnecessary” jobs, like proofreaders, customer support and warehouse workers. Jobs are done by thousands or millions of people, a simple but crucial part of a working system. Yes, AI would perform better and create more jobs, but the jobs they create are AI monitors, prompt engineers and cybersecurity managers, all of which require high levels of qualification. It prompts the question of whether the average person would benefit from these changes. Despite these pros and cons, there is also a question of where AI is appropriate. Data analysis and surface-level administrative jobs are one thing, but what about creative and educational fields? AI art, literature, and other creative pieces have become more common. Authors, artists, and composers are concerned that artificial intelligence will compete with their own work. Teachers and educators worry for students who are taking advantage of AI rather than using it as a tool.
At the end of the day, there is no black-and-white answer to AI's general help versus harm. It really comes down to keeping human judgment as the final deciding factor and allowing people to be informed of AI to judge for themselves.
In each edition of The Highlander we will have a hidden Highland Cow for you to find. Be the 1st person to come to Mrs. Rufo and you will receive a Small Sonic Slushes
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