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🤖 Compete With AI, Not Against It
Published 2 months ago • 3 min read
When ChatGPT launched in late 2022, the world flipped.
Headlines screamed about job loss, teachers feared mass cheating, and everyone wondered: Will AI replace us?
But like most big questions in life, the answer is: it depends.
Every tech breakthrough has had its skeptics, abusers, and superusers.
Even 2,500 years ago, Socrates was worried about people relying on writing instead of their memories. Fast-forward to now?
We’re not banning writing—we’re just learning how to use it better. Same thing with AI.
Two years in, it’s clear: AI isn’t going away. It’s the new calculator. The new internet. The new electricity. But just like any power tool—it can help you build an empire, or cause a disaster if you use it wrong.
Today’s article is based on recommendations provided by LayKuan Loh, software engineer.
Got a burning question? I’m all ears.
Stuck on a startup idea? Wondering how to use AI without sounding like a robot? Trying to figure out what actually matters after high school?
Every week, I hear from teens building cool things, chasing big goals, and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the noise.
So I’m opening up a space just for you.
Starting next issue, I’ll be answering your questions right here in the newsletter. No gatekeeping. No boring advice. Just real talk from someone who's been where you are—and wants to help you get where you're going.
Especially the “safe” white-collar ones—are disappearing fast.
Entry level new grads bear the brunt of job-loss
The companies that used to hire 10 new grads now hire 2. The rest of the work? Handled by AI. No PTO. No sleep. No complaints.
AI’s already doing research reports, presentation, heck as a business owner, it's been updating my pricing sheet and answering client questions on my behalf. And it’s not slowing down.
So Here’s the Real Question: “How do I compete WITH AI?” Not against it.
Below is your simple starter pack to make AI your teammate—not your replacement.
How to Use AI Like a Pro (Not a Noob)
Think of AI like a powerful tool in your loadout. It’s not the main character—you are. But used right? It can level you up fast.
Here’s how to play smart:
1.AI is your support weapon—not your squad leader...
It can get you 80% of the way in seconds.
But sometimes, it makes stuff up or sounds confident while being completely wrong. Your move? Always double-check the output—especially on topics you don’t fully know yet. Use tools like Perplexity AI to see sources. You’ll catch errors faster and sound sharper in class, interviews, or pitches.
2. Don’t upload your private loot.
Copy-pasting personal info or sensitive projects into AI?
That’s like streaming your strategy to the enemy team. Some tools save what you write to “train the model.” If it’s private—learn how to turn off chat history or use a secure version. Play defense when it counts.
3. Watch for hidden bias in the game engine.
AI was mostly trained on Western, English content. So answers can miss cultural nuance, underrepresent global perspectives, or just feel…off. Don’t auto-accept the first answer. Use your own judgement—especially if you’re working on global or social-impact stuff.
4. Train for your mission, not someone else’s.
Want to work in law, social impact, climate, media, startups? There are AI guides and trainings for that. The best young founders we know? They’re not scared of AI. They’re custom-building it into their workflow.
Gear up with AI → Make the call with judgment → Build your winning strategy. That’s how you stop being replaceable—and start being unstoppable.
Final Takeaway
The game has changed. And it’s not rigged—it’s just evolving.
Your edge isn’t just how smart you are anymore. It’s how fast and clever you are at using the tools at your fingertips.
You can either fear the wave—or ride it.
So the next time someone asks: “Won’t AI take our jobs?”
You can say: “Not mine. I’m training it to work for me.”
Like what you read? Share with friends!
PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in?
We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders.
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