Mentorship in Times of AI

I’ve read the article Would I have been mentored in a world full of AIs? by Marcus Coetzee and it got me thinking.

I think even though AI is doing similar jobs to juniors, it’s so important that we teach the juniors. They could get the mentorship from an AI, but that will not have the same impact as people, idols, and Mentors had on us. Why?

Because usually, one suggestion, tip, or mentor’s encouragement can last a lifetime. No AI will do that. Also, if a person gives you help, it does that with conviction, not just by a token predictor.

So even if the prediction or suggestion was wrong by that human Mentor, or came to the at the wrong time, it might still help or be considered helpful. Versus AI might just be helpful too, but in case of wrongness, hallucinations, missing important context, or human understanding, it might just be totally wrong suggestions that might affect one’s full life, as it took the wrong path. Speaking of paths, the Pathless Path is all about exploration, which an AI model can’t predict; therefore, I don’t think mentoring is something any AI will or should replace anytime soon.

I think Mentoring is so important, and young people might get less of it, as they can just ask the AI, but at the end of the day, these are not the same value, especially the life advice or more long-term ones.

This reminds me of ThePrimeagen and what he said: that AI is better used for short-term predictions (autocomplete style), but if you ask it about the long term (full projects with lots of architectural choices), the more off it will get. See Guidance on When to Use It.

Wyndo said that it’s a new format for journaling, meditating, or therapy. I would disagree and say almost the opposite. Getting feedback based on a statistical model is just not the same as a human who has empathy, understanding, and tries to help.

Meditation and journaling are still much better. Sure, it helps, and it’s worth trying out, but it’s not the super sensational that makes all the other go away. I think the opposite: after enough chatting back and forth with the AI chatbox, you need even more meditation or journaling, as you’re so exhausted.

After a good meditation or journaling, you are almost energetic and well-rested. So there’s the difference, IMO.

• Will AI Replace Human Thinking

Origin: Email by Marcus Coetzee
References: Managing vs Mentoring, imitating yorur mentors