In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, Krithika Shankarraman, former VP of Marketing at OpenAI, asserts that human taste will emerge as the crucial differentiator for businesses. She emphasizes that while AI can generate vast amounts of content, discerning human judgment and craft will be essential to cut through the "drivel" and connect meaningfully with consumers.

The Rise of Human Taste in the AI Age

Krithika Shankarraman, a former OpenAI and Stripe executive and current entrepreneur in residence at Thrive Capital, recently highlighted on Lenny's Podcast that human taste will become a paramount distinguishing factor. With AI making content generation accessible to everyone, the ability to discern quality and apply a unique human touch will be invaluable.

Craft Over Quantity

Shankarraman argues that companies will need to "show their craft" to stand out. This involves demonstrating a deep understanding of their product and customer, and then connecting these elements in meaningful ways. AI, she suggests, should be used to augment existing efforts, not replace the fundamental human insight and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• Human Taste as a Differentiator: In a world saturated with AI-generated content, human discernment and aesthetic judgment will be key to success.
• Show Your Craft: Businesses must demonstrate genuine understanding and creativity to distinguish themselves.
• Augment, Don't Replace: AI should enhance human efforts, not serve as a sole creator.
• Importance of STEM Education: A strong foundation in STEM helps individuals understand underlying concepts, preventing over-reliance on AI and fostering informed application.
• Long-Term Vision: Companies should focus on how AI can be a positive force for humanity, rather than engaging in a race for superficial advancements.

The Enduring Value of STEM Education

Shankarraman remains a strong advocate for STEM education, believing it provides the fundamental concepts necessary to understand and apply technology effectively. This foundational knowledge allows individuals to make informed choices about how to leverage AI, rather than blindly relying on its outputs. She stresses the importance of a growth mindset, where learning is pursued for the sake of understanding concepts, not just for grades.

Responsible AI Development

Beyond individual accountability in AI usage, Shankarraman also calls for companies to prioritize responsible development. She urges a long-term perspective, emphasizing that the goal should be to make AI a positive force for humanity, rather than a competitive race for the best chatbot or outputs. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for the ethical and beneficial integration of AI into society.