Hey, generative AI, like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and the rest of the AI Avengers, is having a moment. Some people think these tools are just for the weak. That they make us lazy, kill creativity, increase plagiarism, and turn everyone into Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V zombies. I get it. That can happen. But here’s the thing: not all of us use AI that way.
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For self-learners like me (you know, the ones constantly juggling 100 tasks with zero extra pay), generative AI isn’t just a shortcut…it’s survival. I don’t just prompt, copy, and paste. Please. That’s boring. And lazy.
What I usually do is start with an idea, something raw. Then I ask AI to shape it. Sometimes it gives me a new angle I hadn’t even thought of. Sometimes I argue with the output (in my head la, of course), then rework it until it makes sense. It’s a back-and-forth process. Kind of like brainstorming with a silent colleague who never complains. LOL
Let’s Be Real, The Workload Is Madness
People expect you to be a:
- Designer
- Content creator
- Admin
- Customer service
- Therapist on standby
All in one. And still smile like a beauty queen.
I’m talking about tasks like:
- Designing visuals for campaigns
- Writing (and replying to) a mountain of emails
- Following up with merchants, vendors, and site teams non-stop
- Managing calendars (even yang bukan kau punya)
- Typing out dictated messages (macam PA, tapi bukan)
- Taking meeting minutes while also participating
- Other stuff like a true Kak Long Serba Boleh
So yes, I use generative AI to lighten the load. Not all of it (unfortunately, AI still can’t attend meetings or magically uninvite difficult people), but enough to help me breathe.
How Generative AI Actually Helps Me
Here’s what it does do:
- Helps me structure ideas faster
- Drafts proposals and emails more efficiently
- Sparks creative angles I hadn’t considered
- Saves brainpower so I don’t burn out by 11am
And at the end of the day, the output is still mine. The thought, the voice, the decision-making…that’s all human. AI is just an assistant. A very helpful, low-maintenance assistant (who doesn’t need annual leave or get salty when I change my mind 5 times in a row).
Final Thought
Generative AI isn’t perfect. But when used right, it’s not about replacing creativity. Instead, it’s about enhancing it. It won’t replace people with ideas. But it might replace those who refuse to evolve. So to anyone who says, “AI tools make you lazy”, maybe lah. But for some of us? They make us possible.
Thanks for reading.