How to Approach the AI Discussion with a Skeptic

Figuring out how to broach the topic of artificial intelligence with a skeptic can be tricky. For many, the mere mention of machine learning or Robotic Process Automation (RPA) conjures up images of packed unemployment lines due to massive job loss. Others are concerned primarily with artificial intelligence being programmed to do something devastating. Another group doesn’t believe that humans would necessarily program AI with a destructive or malicious intent, but they do think it’s possible that the artificial intelligence might develop a destructive method for achieving its goal, one which prioritizes its directive over what humans would consider common sense or morality. In order to stand a chance at assuaging the fears of a skeptic, you must first identify their limiting belief—that person’s greatest fear in regards to machine learning, robotic process automation, or any form of artificial intelligence. Having done that, you can follow the four steps outlined below to help open the minds of those who are still uncomfortable with a world that is (and will become more) inextricably linked with artificial technology. 

Step #1.) Focus on the Problem, Not the Solution 

This may seem counterintuitive, but focus on the problem! One way to quell the fear factor is by focusing less on the technology that inspires said fear and more on the actual day-to-day issues it can solve. If you begin by speaking directly about the problem that the AI would solve, particularly if it’s one that the person you’re speaking to has experience with, then they’ll be more likely to see the urgent need for a solution and more willing to accept that the ideal solution may come in a technological package. 

Step #2.) Explain the Tech’s Specific Benefits in Detail 

The benefits in question will vary depending on the particular artificial technology with which the skeptic is most concerned. For instance, if you’re having a conversation with someone who is entirely opposed to robotic process automation, you would talk about “productivity and efficiency gains,” but you wouldn’t use those words because verbiage like that tends to come across as corporate speak for downsizing or other outcomes that are typically perceived as negative. Instead, you would discuss how RPA could lighten the load or expedite the processes of an already over-burdened team or employee. Whatever specific AI you're discussing, just make sure to be specific in your explanation of its benefits. 

Step #3.) Create a Vision of the Future 

All too often, proponents of artificial technology insist that it will create wondrous new opportunities without pausing to describe what that expanded growth will actually look and operate like. If you’re asserting that a particular new technology will lighten an employee's load 

and free up some of their time, paint the picture of a day in the life of this new, altered role. Once someone has envisioned a different future from the one they’d initially thought possible, they can’t very well continue believing that there’s only one path forward. Creating a compelling vision is vital to softening skeptics to a tech-friendly world, one filled with machine learning neural networks and photon-based processing units. 

Step #4.) Provide Expert and Consumer Testimonials 

You can try until you’re blue in the face to tell your kids to do something, and they’ll adamantly refuse until one of their friends finally proposes the idea herself or himself. Then, your youngster is sold, right? This is the phenomenon that happens when people try to avoid what is called top-down mandates. No one wants to be told how to think about an issue. We all want to believe that we’ve come to our opinions through thoughtful and logical analysis. So, if the first three steps didn’t do the trick, it may be beneficial to bring in some back-up in the form of a credible technology "evangelist," whether that be an employee whose job has been positively impacted by RPA, an AI expert who has been flown into a company event to speak on the topic of Natural Language Processing or some other reputable source who's experienced with the AI in question. Anyone with those qualifications will fit the bill! 

The skill of being talented at allaying common fears about AI-related developments will increase in value as businesses across all industries continue ramping up AI integration into their workflows and processes. Whether you need to convince an entire factory of employees that RPA doesn’t automatically mean job loss or you just want to sharpen your skills for those inevitable debates regarding the perceived evils of the Singularity, we hope this blog serves as a helpful framework for your discussions. Creating champions for a technologically-fueled future sets all of us in an improved position to move forward without hindrance!