What Can We Learn About AI from the Movie Limitless?

Content by: David Walter from Reasonant Technology

“I wasn’t wired to be a drug addict, but now I’m wired to be a genius.” – Eddie Morra, Limitless

Can AI Truly Replace Human Jobs?

Have you ever wondered if artificial intelligence (AI) could truly replace human jobs, or if it merely enhances our existing capabilities? This question is at the heart of the current debate surrounding AI in the IT industry. Just as the NZT-48 pill in Limitless only amplifies the natural abilities of its users, AI can only enhance the skills and intelligence we already possess.

The NZT-48 Analogy

In the movie Limitless, Eddie Morra (played by Bradley Cooper) discovers that the NZT-48 pill unlocks his brain’s full potential, allowing him to achieve extraordinary feats. However, as Eddie learns, the pill doesn’t create intelligence out of thin air; it merely enhances what is already there. “You know how they say that we can only access 20% of our brain? This lets you access all of it,” Eddie explains. This concept is crucial when considering the role of AI in the IT industry today.

AI Enhancing Human Abilities

Many fear that AI will take over jobs, rendering human workers obsolete. However, this fear is largely unfounded. AI, much like NZT-48, cannot make a person smarter or more capable than they inherently are. It can only enhance their existing abilities. For instance, tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can assist in generating content or automating tasks, but they cannot produce brilliant work without the input of a knowledgeable and skilled human.

The Future of IT Jobs

In the realm of Managed Services Providers (MSPs), AI is already being used to enhance ticket triage and automate help desk functions. Companies like Thread and Rewst are at the forefront of this innovation. These AI tools can take calls and create tickets, a task that many MSPs currently do not staff for, as they prefer clients to create tickets through their applications. This automation streamlines processes and allows human technicians to focus on more complex tasks that require their expertise.

While it is true that some jobs may be replaced by AI, such as those of Level 1 engineers, this shift will likely lead to increased training and upskilling among IT Support technicians. By integrating Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) as professors, potential tech students can be taught the necessary skills and attitudes to start their careers at Level 2, bypassing the entry-level positions that AI can handle. This evolution in training and education will ensure that human workers remain indispensable in the IT industry.

Conclusion: AI as an Enhancer, Not a Replacement

Ultimately, AI will not replace human jobs but will enhance our abilities, much like the NZT-48 pill in Limitless. By leveraging AI tools, MSPs can improve efficiency and productivity, allowing human technicians to focus on higher-level tasks that require their unique skills and intelligence. As Eddie Morra’s journey in Limitless shows, the true power lies not in the tool itself, but in how we use it to unlock our full potential.

What do you think about the role of AI in the IT industry? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity for growth and enhancement?