• Source:JND
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The fast pace of technology means how we choose to spend our time could dictate what career paths we follow in the future. As the CEO and co-founder of Perplexity AI, Aravind Srinivas has a message for the younger generation: put an end to Reels and learn to use AI tools. 

In a recent interview, Srinivas stressed how active engagement with AI technology isn’t an option anymore in our economy but rather a necessity. He urges people to focus their efforts on value generation, skill-building, and work that can stand the test of time in an automation-dominated workplace. 

The Future Belongs to AI-Savvy Professionals

Srinivas also states, “Reels won’t build your future,” and goes on to express how Instagram and TikTok may be the current reigning champions of capturing attention but offer very limited sustenance. He argues attention has turned into the newest form of currency, and investing it in AI mastery will help determine one’s success in the coming job market.

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With tools such as Perplexity’s own Comet browser, other AI agents, and even ChatGPT, the future workforce can now delegate tasks such as data compilation, writing, coding, and research to AI. Tasks that not too long ago demanded entire job positions.

AI Is Here, Not Coming

Perplexity AI, famous for giving real-time answers from verified sources, is viewed as a serious challenger to Google. Its Comet browser is designed to function like an intelligent operations manager capable of driving automation that can replace admin work.

Srinivas believes AI fluency is as critical today as is digital literacy.

“People who are good at using AI tools are going to be much more employable than people who are not,” he said.

Dario Amodei, Anthropic's CEO, along with other industry heads, expect close to 50% of white-collar roles to be automated in the next 5 years.

The Skills That Will Future-Proof Your Career

Srinivas believes the difference between the AI-ready and the AI-displaced is not only in the skillset, but also in mindset and willingness to explore.

  • Stop at more than basic features like caption generation and homework completion. 
  • Try to automate with prompt chaining, APIs, and intricate workflows. 
  • Know core AI, including basics, fundamentals of machine learning. 
  • Instead of using the latest and attractive tools, build real-world applications.

A Smarter Way to Use Social Media

Srinivas is not calling for an end to social media as a whole. He advocates for more thoughtful and purposeful usage.

  • Instead of watching 30 minutes of Reels, spend that time on LangChain or an AI workflow tutorial.
  • Instead of mindlessly scrolling, spend that time on ChatGPT or Perplexity. 
  • Utilize YouTube as a skill-building platform, not as a mindless consumption outlet.

Final Thoughts

AI has evolved beyond being just another tool; it is the bedrock of our future economy. Srinivas advises Gen Z to put AI to good use rather than consume. Mastering AI tools will not only keep them employable but will help shape its future direction as well. According to Srinivas, digital tide can either take you under or you can learn to surf it successfully.