Artificial Intelligence: An Amazing Tool not a magic wand

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like that friend who knows everything, smart, quick, and always ready to help.

But just like relying too much on a know-it-all friend, over-depending on AI can get you into trouble.

Recently, I decided to carry out a local study on AI, how people in my community use it, its benefits, and its disadvantages.

While I heard stories about how AI has made life easier for so many, one story stood out. It was Dorathy’s, a young lady whose career took an unfortunate turn because of her over-reliance on AI.

Dorathy had big dreams. She wanted to land a prestigious job in a tech firm, and she believed AI was her golden ticket.

Armed with AI tools, she created a CV that was nothing short of spectacular. It was polished, professional, and screamed, “Hire me!” And it worked! She got the job. But here’s where things went south.

When Dorathy started the job, reality hit her like a ton of bricks. The tasks were complex, requiring skills and knowledge she didn’t have.

She was like a fish out of water,or more accurately, like someone trying to code without knowing what “HTML” stands for.

Within weeks, her supervisors realized she wasn’t the superstar her CV claimed she was. And just like that, Dorathy was out of a job.

As part of my study, I sat down with Dorathy to hear her story. She admitted that at first, she wanted to blame AI. “If only AI hadn’t made my CV so good!” she thought. But after reflecting, she realized the truth: AI didn’t fail her, she failed herself.

AI had done its job by helping her land the role. But instead of using it as a tool to enhance her skills, she had let it do all the heavy lifting. She hadn’t prepared herself to back up those impressive claims on her CV.

“It wasn’t AI’s fault,” she told me. “I was lazy. I thought I could skip the hard work and let AI do everything. I was wrong.”

Dorathy’s story is a wake-up call for all of us. AI is here to assist, not to replace us. It’s a tool,an amazing one,but it’s not a magic wand that can fix everything.

Here’s What we should know 

1. AI Can Help, But It’s Not Magic

AI can write, design, or analyze things for you, but it can’t replace your brain. You still need to understand what’s going on.

2. Don’t Let AI Make You Lazy

If you’re letting AI do everything for you—thinking, writing, problem-solving—you’re in trouble. It’s like expecting a GPS to get you home without knowing your own address.

3. Your Skills Still Matter

A shiny, AI-polished CV might open doors, but you need to know your stuff to stay in the room.

4. Use AI to Grow, Not Cheat

Instead of using AI to fake expertise, use it to learn and improve. Let it complement your skills, not replace them.

Dorathy’s story isn’t just about losing a job, it’s about gaining perspective. AI is incredible, but it’s not a substitute for hard work, learning, and personal growth.

If you use AI wisely, it can be your best ally. Misuse it, and you might find yourself in Dorathy’s shoes, out of a job and full of regrets.

The results of my local study showed me just how much people rely on AI, often without understanding its limitations. It’s clear that while AI has countless benefits, over-reliance on it can lead to complacency and, ultimately, failure.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Don’t let AI make you lazy. Think of it as your super-smart assistant, not your stand-in. Use it to shine, but don’t forget to put in the work yourself.

As Dorathy puts it: “AI can make life easier, but if you let it live your life for you, you’re in trouble.”