One common reaction to AI I see is thinking/encouraging it will take over other people’s jobs, but not theirs.

Here’s a really simple example from work.

  • Graphic designers resisting AI images, but using it for boilerplate copy
  • Copywriters resisting AI copy, but using it for graphic mock ups.

These are more tame, the more extreme is the head of a VC firm saying AI will replace all jobs except his (which seems to be the job of having lots of money to invest and even bragging about knowing most will fail and only a few will pay for all those failures).

I can think of a few explanations which probably apply in difference cases

  • Noticing the faults in AI in your field
  • Using AI to achieve “good enough” mock ups/examples outside your expertise
  • Being self-interested and not wanting your field to go away
  • Not wanting to develop the skills in a new field

But I find these reactions to be more interesting than complete acceptance or rejection.