Is AI a Tool?

If we look at the definition of “tool”, AI definitely qualifies as a tool. So, then, why does it feel different? Should we consider it a tool?

Tools Are Specific

Tools as we know them from the before-times™ serve a specific purpose. A camera is a tool that captures an image from light. A screwdriver is a tool that turns screws. Photoshop is a tool that manipulates bytes in visually interesting ways. You wouldn’t use a screwdriver to take a picture, or photoshop to turn a screw.

AI differs in this way by offering the “one-stop shop” tool that can do it all - it can interface with all of your existing tools, decide which ones should be coordinated for a particular task, and execute. This is an important distinction from all other tools that I can think of.

Tools Require Skill

This one is less of a global point, but still interesting I think. Tools require varying degrees of skill. Most people can pick up a screwdriver and intuitively figure out how to turn a screw; with a camera, it takes some degree of practice and study to produce good photos.

With AI, the premise is that you don’t need skills. Sure, you need to be capable of basic communication; but, regardless of what you read on twitter, prompting isn’t really a skill. Particularly as models improve, the ‘quality’ of your prompt will matter less and less.

Tools Extend Our Abilities

Screwdrivers unlock an inhuman ability for us - the ability to turn a screw. Cameras unlock an inhuman ability - the ability to digitize a photo. Most interesting tools give us new abilities that make the impossible, possible.

With AI, it seems different. Instead of giving us new superhuman abilities, we’re attempting to give ourselves all of the existing human abilities. That’s pretty radically different from all other tools!

OK so is AI a tool??

With the current definition? Yes.

Is it a perfect analogy for tools as they exist today? No.

Should we stop treating it that way? Probably.