How People See AI: Which One Are You?
Artificial intelligence is dividing opinions. Some view it as an opportunity, others see it as a risk, and a few believe it’s a disaster waiting to happen. According to Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI, people tend to fall into one of four categories when it comes to AI adoption: Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers.
Each group sees AI through a different lens, and these perspectives shape how individuals and businesses engage with it. Whether you’re wary of its potential, cautiously optimistic, or fully embracing AI in your work, understanding these viewpoints can help you make informed decisions.
So, which one best describes you?
Different Views on AI
Doomers: The Alarmists
Doomers believe AI is a major threat to humanity. Their concerns go beyond job displacement and misinformation—they worry AI could spiral out of control and have catastrophic consequences. Some fear it could surpass human intelligence and become impossible to regulate.
While it’s true that AI has risks, many experts argue these concerns are overstated. AI remains a tool that humans control, and its development is shaped by policy, oversight, and ethical frameworks. Ignoring AI altogether may not be the best approach, especially as industries evolve around it.
What this means for AI adoption:
- Tends to resist AI integration entirely.
- Focuses on regulatory control rather than practical application.
- May be hesitant to explore AI’s benefits, risking missed opportunities.
Gloomers: The Cautious Observers
Gloomers acknowledge AI’s usefulness but remain deeply concerned about its unintended consequences. They expect significant disruption, from job losses to ethical dilemmas, and believe AI’s risks could outweigh its benefits if left unchecked.
Rather than rejecting AI, they take a slow and controlled approach. They are highly aware of potential downsides and advocate for strict oversight. Their caution ensures responsible AI use but may also delay adoption and limit innovation.
How this affects AI adoption:
- Moves carefully, focusing on ethical and legal considerations.
- Prefers AI to be heavily regulated before widespread implementation.
- May be slower to explore AI’s full potential.
Zoomers: The Enthusiasts
Zoomers are eager adopters of AI. They see it as a game-changer and actively integrate it into their workflows. Whether it’s automation, creativity, or problem-solving, Zoomers believe AI is an essential tool for the future.
This mindset encourages rapid experimentation, allowing them to find new efficiencies and opportunities. However, Zoomers sometimes overlook ethical concerns or underestimate the risks of overreliance on AI. While innovation is important, a balanced approach is key.
What this means for AI adoption:
- Quick to integrate AI into work and business operations.
- Open to testing new AI tools and finding creative applications.
- May need to incorporate more safeguards and risk management.
Bloomers: The Strategic Optimists
Bloomers believe in AI’s potential but also recognise the need for responsible use. They see AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human work. Their focus is on integrating AI in ways that enhance decision-making, increase efficiency, and support long-term goals.
Bloomers take a practical, measured approach—they see AI’s benefits but also prioritise governance, ethical considerations, and ongoing training. They’re neither blindly optimistic nor overly cautious. Instead, they aim to use AI in ways that are sustainable and beneficial to both businesses and individuals.
What this means for AI adoption:
- Thoughtfully implements AI while addressing risks.
- Invests in upskilling employees to use AI effectively.
- Uses AI to improve processes rather than replace human roles entirely.
Where Do You Stand?
Your outlook on AI affects how you approach it in your business or daily work. Some caution is reasonable, but avoiding AI entirely may not be practical. At the same time, rushing into AI adoption without considering its risks can lead to challenges down the line.
The best approach is a mix of open-mindedness, strategic planning, and ethical considerations.
How to Use AI Wisely
If you’re still forming your perspective on AI, here are a few ways to approach it productively:
- Learn the Basics – Understanding AI’s capabilities (and limitations) helps remove unnecessary fear.
- Start Small – Use AI for basic automation and gradually scale up.
- Think Beyond Efficiency – AI isn’t just about saving time—it can enhance creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Balance Innovation with Responsibility – Ethical considerations should be part of any AI strategy.
AI is here to stay, and the most successful businesses will be those that understand how to use it effectively.
If you want to explore AI’s role in your business, join our AI Business Workshop to learn how to integrate AI strategically and responsibly.