All this about “AI”; it’s inescapable. Social media, newspapers, magazines and ezines have AI related stories every day. Some stories are meant to scare people. Others hint at interesting opportunities. What is a person to do regarding AI? Should you sit on the sidelines and wait for things to develop? Should you rely on others to lead the way so you don’t take too much risk by diving in early? And who’s to say what defines “early”?

Over the past several decades I have seen new products, new technologies, and new ideas being introduced into the marketplace, into our daily lives. Some have made tremendous impact, like the internet and cellphones. Others, like asbestos building materials and lead paint, have also made impacts, but negative ones. So how are you to know if artificial intelligence will have a long-lasting positive impact on your life, or will it turn into your worst enemy – as some already predict.

As someone who predicted mobile telephones would be everywhere – and relatively inexpensive to use – I suggest you take some early steps to see if AI is something you can use, can benefit from. Think of it this way: your mother probably said don’t just dive into water where you can’t see the bottom. Step in carefully, inches at a time, until you determine there aren’t any deadly drop-offs – or piranhas – in this unfamiliar stream or lake. Take the same approach with artificial intelligence. Think of your approach as “testing the water.”

How would I suggest you test the water? Without committing much time or money, while eliminating risk, you should take an introductory basic course in artificial intelligence. You have two choices in selecting an AI course. You can go online and take one of the many free courses. If you feel out of your element and want someone to hold your hand and guide you through a course there are online and in-person programs that fit the bill.

At this point in the development, acceptance, AI and myriad uses just being developed, it’s the perfect time to test the water. See if you can find immediate uses for AI in your personal life and maybe your business life. After a while – maybe six months or a year – your familiarization and as well as your interest and creativity will help you decide if you want to take a deeper dive into AI.

On the other hand, it’s perfectly okay to sit on the sidelines and watch other people splash near shore in the AI pond. No risk, no gain. But I think you should at least dip your toes in the water!