Jon Hernández's assertion that lack of AI fluency could soon sideline workers is a provocative wake-up call for today's job market. While his timeline of just two years may seem aggressive, it underscores a critical trend: AI isn't just an add-on; it’s rapidly becoming a core competency. This raises a pragmatic question for workers and companies alike — how do we strike a balance between embracing innovation and managing the realities of adoption hurdles?
Let’s be real, knowing AI isn’t about becoming a coding wizard overnight. It’s about effectively leveraging AI for everyday tasks — like automating routine work, analyzing data, or crafting compelling content. The democratization of AI tools is a game-changer, but as Hernández points out, the challenge lies in the mindset shift within companies and individuals.
The slower-than-expected adoption of AI in workplaces isn’t just cautiousness or fear of change; it’s also a reflection of how deeply ingrained existing workflows are. Not everyone has mastered Excel yet, so expecting an AI revolution overnight is optimistic. Yet the trajectory is clear: AI literacy will soon be as fundamental as internet proficiency.
So, what’s a practical move? Start small, experiment with accessible AI tools, and build confidence gradually — integration doesn’t happen in a vacuum. And critically, maintain a healthy skepticism; AI outputs are not gospel and require human judgment. The real opportunity lies in augmenting human skills, not attempting to replace them.
In the end, Hernández's message is both a caution and an invitation. AI fluency will separate the employable from the redundant. The clock is ticking, but the door to opportunity is wide open for those ready to adapt. Let’s not wait until AI knocks on the door to start learning — let’s open it ourselves and step into the future with eyes wide open and a sense of humor about the tech curve ahead. Source: Jon Hernández, AI expert—“In two years, anyone who is not fluent in artificial intelligence will be out of
