Are We Running Too Fast Into the Artificial Intelligence Hype?
All you need to do is scroll through X (Twitter), or read any of the latest tech journals, or watch the news, and you’ll see a plethora of stories on artificial intelligence (AI). Some are super-fans touting how it will change the world for the better, while others are sending signals in line with it being tantamount to “Skynet.” It’s a bit difficult to find many voices somewhere in the middle.
I’ve been in tech for most all of my life. Between server management, coding, and design, I’ve seen it all for over three decades. The advancements of artificial intelligence are striking—not only the apparent overnight unveiling, but also the response to it not just by techies, but by your average everyday users.
We’re seeing a technology that caters to the TikTok generation to create silly computer-generated videos and those in the legal and medical professions embracing artificial intelligence at breakneck speed. Sadly, those in those critical professions have been bitten badly by poor use of such new technology that has the ability to hallucinate and make up information. For example, check out this short clip about an attorney who used AI in a legal case:
There are also the ethical issues behind AI. Where does it get all its information to train? Can that information be trusted? Do LLMs have the rights to even use that information?
Lastly, there are the questions about copyright and licensing. Most AI companies claim that generated content is the user’s to have and hold, but is that really true? What happens if AI plagiarizes from a source to write that snazzy blog article you had it spit out in record time? What happens if an AI-generated image infringes on someone’s rights? There are a lot of really genuine concerns about AI’s usage—especially legal ones.
No, I’m not a tin foil hat-wearing weirdo 👽, but I do like to take a thoughtful thousand-mile look at newer technology—especially ones that have the potential to be extremely problematic. I believe it is wise to be cutting edge only when the edge doesn’t slice your finger off.
My position on AI here at 18 Street Design is one of cautious exploration.
I’d be foolish to take an all-out discounted stance with this new (or rather quickly growing) technology. Practically speaking, using tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code to assist in reviewing code for flaws, or recommend suggestions for better coding isn’t a bad thing—especially when it comes to things like the latest standards. Claude’s AI is the platform I have chosen to use when I do utilize artificial intelligence. Tools like GitHub Copilot are also quite useful when I’m knee-deep in VSCode, and they make things like auto-formatting and auto-completion a breeze. My company is not an AI-free shop. I use it—but very, very cautiously and carefully. AI genuinely can save time. The grammar and spell checking is a lifesaver for someone who dozed off in English class. I also realize that many of my clients will, or have already, experimented with AI tools—especially since there isn’t a way to escape its existence.
I am also especially cautious over the use of AI agents—especially those that assume control over the computer and/or file system. For example, a recent popular AI application has been used by droves of people, and this app has complete control over the user’s computer. While still in its infancy, there are probably still tons of bugs and security issues that need to be addressed. What could possibly go wrong if an AI agent has full control over someone’s computer, right?
For what it’s worth, my recommendation, especially for my clients, is to take the same cautious stance.
Be cautious, careful, and always double-check everything AI produces for you. Remember that artificial intelligence can hallucinate—basically completely making up things. Always consider proper use and terms for the AI platform you are using. (For example, Anthropic’s Claude requires a paid plan to use any of their output for commercial purposes.)
I also recommend not going all-out with AI. For example, don’t use AI to completely write your blog posts or content for your websites. Instead, craft something yourself and ask AI to check it and maybe make recommendations. The same goes with using AI-generated images and videos. Most of the content generated looks fake—it looks like it was done by a computer, not a person. Consider working with a trained graphic designer or photographer so you don’t lose that “human” touch. Most importantly, be especially cautious, if not completely avoid, any use of artificial intelligence for legal, medical, or anything that can come back to bite you.
Is AI going to take over my job as a web designer and developer?
I don’t think so. At least not anytime soon. I think it will instead change the way that developers and coders work. If used rightly, it can save time and can then potentially make the cost to the customer even less. AI tools should be used as a helper to provide feedback, and review, and then the experienced human coder can take those things into consideration.
Is AI going to change the way we all work? Probably.
But how it changes the workplace will depend a lot on how smartly we embrace this technology. And when it comes to the whole “vibe coding” phenomenon, I don’t think it will be overly successful. (Vibe coding is a term used to describe someone who uses artificial intelligence to completely code an application—letting the AI do all the work, typically with little to no human review.) To use AI to completely churn out an app is risky and, frankly, quite reckless. Someone without coding experience (or even with experience) who prompts an AI model to create an application and then pushes that app out to the public without careful oversight risks security, privacy, and licensing issues across the board. You need to be able to carefully review code to make sure you are protecting the user’s data and privacy and at the same time be competent to support the product as needs change or customers demand enhancements.
Writing a blog post about such emerging technologies that are affecting so many levels of the business industry will likely have a polar effect in a few years. In a few years’ time, I may be laughing at my own words of such caution, or I may be looking back at the words with somber agreement. Who knows? But for now, I think we are wise to keep tabs on a powerful technology that is moving so fast right now that even the experts are having a hard time keeping up.
If you’re new to AI, here are some of the major players to explore:
