NDSU business experts demystify AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s reshaping how we live, work and learn right now. To help make sense of this rapidly evolving technology, NDSU College of Business faculty experts Linlin Chai and Limin Zhang share insights on what AI really is, how it’s already changing our daily lives, and what it means for the future of business, education and careers.

What exactly is AI, and why is everyone talking about it now?

LC: AI didn’t just suddenly appear. It’s the form of our long-held wishes to move faster and work with less effort, finally becoming a reality.

LZ: Well-known examples of generative AI include ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. People can use these tools for content creation, productivity tasks, technical and business assistance, learning and tutoring, as well as leisure activities.

How is AI already showing up in our everyday lives?

LC: You might think AI belongs to the future, but it’s already right here. From navigation apps and personalized recommendations to keyboards that seem to finish your thoughts, it’s been quietly woven into your everyday life. It’s not a cold, distant robot—it’s more like a shadow quietly learning to move the way you do. AI isn’t waiting for you to master it; it’s been mastering you without you even noticing.

Should people be worried about AI taking over jobs?

LZ: According to a Forbes article, AI is projected to fundamentally transform the global workforce by 2050. It is estimated that up to 60% of current jobs will require substantial changes and adaptations due to AI advancements. Jobs most at risk of being replaced by AI often involve repetitive or routine tasks that can be easily automated.

On the other hand, business leaders of companies such as OpenAI and Ford predict that AI will redefine work force and create entirely new types of employment focused on human-machine collaboration such as prompt engineer, AI ethics officer, and AI-assisted healthcare technician.

For students heading into college, how should they be thinking about AI as they plan classes and careers?

LZ: Students should prepare themselves for a new AI-driven workforce by focusing on developing digital competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Employers increasingly value people who can bridge the gap between AI capabilities and business needs.

LC: You don’t need to rush into taking the AI-heavy classes. Start by asking yourself: What kind of work do I want to be doing in the future? AI can speed up your journey, but it can’t decide the destination for you. Picking a major isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about finding the soil where you’re willing to plant yourself and grow.

How is the College of Business introducing students to AI tools and concepts?

LC: We don’t treat AI as a high-barrier technology, but as an everyday tool to expand students’ thinking and judgment. Our goal isn’t to train AI operators, but to nurture people who can question, integrate, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

What are some of the biggest benefits of AI and what concerns should we be paying attention to?

LC: AI can help us move faster—from analyzing data quickly to connecting ideas broadly and expressing ourselves more creatively. It can even become a force for collaboration, making teams more aligned and processes smarter.

LZ: Concerns surrounding AI include job displacement, misinformation, privacy and copyright violations, and security risks. Recent studies by researchers from MIS Media Lab, Carnegie Mellon, and Microsoft also reveal that AI dependence may reduce functional brain connectivity and memory recall leading to weakened critical thinking skills.

With AI becoming more advanced, should people be worried about things like privacy or security?

LZ: AI systems present many of the same security and privacy risks associated with the internet, such as data breaches, cyberattacks, social engineering, spreading of fake information, and the collection of sensitive information.

LC: The more AI understands you, the more you need to understand yourself—what you’re willing to share and what you need to protect. Have you noticed how ads, recommendations, or autofill sometimes seem to read your unspoken thoughts? They’re not always malicious; often, it’s the quiet result of you clicking agree a lot for convenience. The real issue isn’t that AI is watching you, it’s whether you realize how much you’ve already revealed.

How can everyday families use AI to make life easier or more efficient?

LC: AI can be your helper for small, everyday tasks—like managing a shopping list, sparking ideas for your child’s writing, or finding a recipe five minutes before dinner. It’s not here to replace you as a parent, partner, or individual, but to free up time and space so you can truly be those things.

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