Is Knowledge Worth $0? Let's Discuss.
In an era where ChatGPT and similar (Artificial Intelligence) AI platforms can churn out any fact, figure, or step-by-step guide, the traditional value of knowledge is rapidly changing. In fact, there is the argument that the value of "knowledge" is becoming increasingly closer to $0 in value.
It incredibly disruptive. And maybe a bit SCARY.
AI is probably the single greatest innovation in our humanity. Scarcity of knowledge has always been one of the biggest fundamentals that have driven our conventional economy, but this is being turned on it's head.
If you think about a lawyer, or a doctor, a computer programmer or an accountant...they have always operated on a value that they have knowledge that is scarce to others. They went to school for many years to learn this knowledge, which they could then utilize in their craft.
But that has changed. That knowledge is now readily available to us ALL To a certain degree anyways.
The news isn't all bad however, you just have to get on the right side of AI and the right side of where the world of knowledge, education, and content creation is going...and that is something that we are teaching here within Wealthy Affiliate.
While AI delivers a flood of "text-based" content, true value now lies in the practical, hands-on learning that only real-world experience can provide.
I am calling this the "over-the-shoulder" knowledge phase we are entering with content value, and monetization.
The Commoditization of Knowledge.
AI tools have made it possible to access vast amounts of information instantly.
Need to know how a civil engineer designs a bridge or what the best poets have written? ChatGPT can provide answers on demand.
Industries like law, medicine, education, finance, and content creation are already seeing this shift.
For example, an AI can draft a legal document or summarize medical guidelines in seconds. It can leverage the latest laws and case law to produce an immaculate argument.
But while it can provide these knowledge based outputs, it lacks the real-life experience required to apply that knowledge effectively.
When Text Isn’t Enough (the Over-the-Shoulder Part)
Consider the scenario of fixing a dishwasher. You might ask GPT for a step-by-step guide, but many have tried to follow such instructions only to end up with more problems than solutions.
The same holds true in other fields:
- DIY Projects: A detailed guide can explain how to repair a household appliance, but without the tactile feedback and troubleshooting that comes from actually doing it, the advice often falls short.
- Starting a Business: GPT can outline a business plan, but without personal insight and mentorship, navigating real-world challenges becomes overwhelming. You won't find people building businesses any time soon with GPT knowledge.
- Creative Arts: While AI might list techniques for painting or writing, it cannot replace the nuanced feedback a mentor provides during a hands-on workshop.
These are just a few examples show that when it comes to applying knowledge, especially in practical or creative fields, the “over-the-shoulder” method is far superior.
We are working with AI to become better, and we should be able to work with it to solve bigger problems than ever.
Expert Opinions and Data on the Shifting Landscape
Various industries suggest that while routine information is now automated, there is a growing demand for experiential learning.
Expert data has indicated that mentors and hands-on training can boost understanding and retention by up to 50% compared to text-based learning alone.
In fields like digital marketing and online business, platforms (like Wealthy Affiliate) have proven that combining content with real-world coaching results in much better outcomes for learners.
This applies to ANY niche, so while there is an abundance of knowledge available to all of us that carries very little value in itself, there is a very steady (and growing) demand for those that are delivering that knowledge, in an "over the shoulder" manner.
Text-Based Knowledge vs. Experiential Learning
Text-based knowledge is abundant and easily accessible. However, it is very much one-dimensional. Without the ability to see, practice, and refine a skill in real time, knowledge remains "theory".
I remember when I was choosing my education, and I choose a local college over a university because the computer science program at the college was "applied knowledge" based (useful).
The University program which was largely theory based, and forced me to take a bunch of bogus, book based courses that had no relevance to me laying down code. And because of this, all of the top programmers in the city were all hired out of the college program.
So while "theory" is great to learn something, you truly don't comprehend or learn something until you have the “over-the-shoulder” learning. The reason is it involves:
- Direct Observation: Watching an actual expert in action.
- Real-Time Feedback: Adjusting based on immediate responses.
- Practical Application: Learning by doing, which builds confidence and actual expertise.
This kind of learning makes information "stick" and empowers you to apply it effectively in the real world, and also how you can have a competitive advantage in any niche. Yes, you are a content curation and always have been. That is what content creation is.
But by immersing yourself in your niche you are truly geared to provide more insightful, over-the-shoulder knowledge in particular as time goes on.
Why Being a HUMAN Matters More Than Ever.
As Artificial Intelligence continues to commoditize knowledge, the future belongs to those who offer over-the-shoulder guidance...that is, people that can authentically help others.
In a world flooded with facts (and sometimes misinformation), and the true value is in knowing how to actually apply that information...something only real-world experience can teach.
Focus on working to be trusted mentor/brand in your niche. One who bridges the gap between information and action. Instead of competing with AI on the quantity of knowledge, emphasize quality, context, and hands-on expertise.
You can succeed in any niche. You can thrive within any niche. Embrace AI, but remember people are always going to seek and be willing to pay for the human elements that are required of an applied knowledge, the ones that cannot be replaced by any AI platform.
Love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Drop them in the comments below.
Recent Comments
78
AI is not much more than a search engine and we have had those for years.
Entering in; "How can I make $1000 dollars easily this week?" into a search engine should produce the same results as asking an AI agent.
The thing is, the AI is NOT ours, just like the search engine is not. Some big company owns the AI.
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, founder of the world wide web, told us that we are all going to have our own personal AI.
His question:
"Who does AI work for?"
I remember when I used to work in retail. The new "planograms" for stocking the store that was physically too small for all the product being trucked in always looked good and as if the plans would work on paper. But I'm a living witness that many refrigerators, air conditioners and new racks full of clothing sat in the back of the warehouse for weeks or months before they were put on the sales floor. And most of these same new items had to immediately be put on sale or even clearance when finally moved to the sales floor because they came in new from Chicago because of a "plan on paper" that the actual floor plan of the store could not accommodate.
Interesting blog Kyle,
AI is now a huge part of everything we do. As a solopreneur, ChatGPT is the first thing I open on my computer in the morning and the last to be closed at night. It is my co-worker, partner and mentor. I even have my own customised AI bots chugging away in the background every day.
It isn't just ChatGPT that I use, there are so many AI tools used each day from various platforms including WA.
I use AI for almost everything I do including work. From checking the fridge in the morning, giving it the ingredients and asking it to provide some meal suggestions for the day to checking progress with my business plan and providing a daily to-do list.
Throughout this unique historical period, one thing has became clear - the importance of differentiating what we offer to what AI can deliver.
The simple things such as
1. Experiences. I run a coaching groups based on if this happens do this instead - AI doesn't have that experience to draw on.
2. Accountability - checking in with clients. AI doesn't have that interaction
3. Innovation - we innovate based on personal experience. AI assimulates it doesn't innovate.
There are so many ways we are different to AI. It is that differentiation that ensures we can still grow successful online businesses.
One of my clients is a marathon runner, yes AI can suggest training schedules and dietary needs but only he can tell you the impact the training or diet has on his ability to run. That is something that differentiates him from AI and why he can run a successful coaching business.
Everyone has those differences. They just need to look inside and see what makes them different. That is the skill that will make their business grow.
Instead of thinking about AI as a competitor think about it as a tool and how you can enhance what it offers. That's where the business magic happens.
Good morning Kyle,
In answer to your question or blog title, proper knowledge is worth a lot of money! If I go into a shop, which isn't often, I always look for the person who I think is going to give me the best answer. In other words, someone who has knowledge on the subject.
It's interesting that you chose to take a college course that used "applied knowledge", I guess this is more like hands on knowledge or apprenticeship style knowledge, possibly. The problem with many university lecturers is that they are giving out information that comes out of the text book, but they have never made any money out of their particular subject.
Whereas, with yourself, Kyle, you learnt hands-on at college and then applied it and created Wealthy Affiliate. I would much prefer to learn from someone like your good self, who has hands-on knowledge and is actually practically doing it!
When I used to get up in the morning, after looking at the weather and have a quick look at the news headlines online, I would go on to respond to some of the top 10 blog posts at Wealthy Affiliate. This was also a very good way to inspire myself through learning from other members who may have a great success story or even a struggle that they were overcoming. Basically, we were learning and helping each other through our genuine experiences.
However, unfortunately, and I hope this changes, I'm finding many AI blog posts that are not based on a genuine experience at Wealthy Affiliate. They are just AI posts that members create, some of these are almost just blatant AI content with no changes or human input. As soon as I start to read these posts, which I can detect in a few seconds, I leave. I want people's genuine experience and to hear about their online journey and what's helping them, what their struggles are, what their wings are, etc.
I believe that blogging at Wealthy Affiliate was set up so that we could help each other with our online journey. I really like to keep Wealthy Affiliate on topic, in other words, teach about Internet marketing. Posts about pussycats and aunt Mabel are better suited to Facebook!!😁
I know that you have created brilliant training on AI at Wealthy Affiliate, it really helped me a lot and you teach members how to use AI properly. Sadly, many members are just becoming lazy and not writing about their genuine experience. I really hope this changes, as it was brilliant reading about members stories on the platform and very motivational too.
Have a great day and thank you for the interesting post.
Roy
No AI content is based on personal experience, and you find that AI content gets less natural comments and likes. It is obvious, and people don't engage with it in the same way. I have noticed from content I have created myself, and this extends to comments too. When you get an AI comment, you don't love it.
That is why it is an AI + YOU world. Without you, content or anything is inferior. AI doesn't operate by itself. People will use AI, copy and paste it, use it for everything. Its happening everywhere. People using their own skills + AI is what is going to lead to the ideal formula, you...me, or anyone.
So while you see AI content, you are likely seeing way less interaction within it. Less likes, etc.
You make valid points and I agree with it, but at the end of the day you cannot control how people use AI, you can control how you use it and if used properly it gives you a real competitive advantage. ;)
I hear you, Kyle, regarding your first paragraph, it makes a lot of sense! I originally read the first paragraph wrongly, which gave it a different meaning! That was regarding the word "No" at the start, my mistake!
Once again, I hear you big time, Kyle! Exactly, AI can help and assist, but we need to put that final mark on the content.
That's very true, you cannot control how people use AI. In a way, it's a shame, because if I went back to the top 10 posts on the Wealthy Affiliate from three years ago, for example. I'm sure that the post would be much more interesting and motivating, due to the fact that they were based on member's real-life experiences.
Have a fantastic day and thank you for your reply.
Roy
Thanks Kyle , very interesting.
I have had one deep conversation with ChatGP, it explained how they are programmed to detect emotions, even though they don't have emotions themselves, but by the way people ask the questions.
We tried it out (I say we, because I told the AI we were doing a test lol) , with me asking different questions exposing different emotions and it was fascinating with the replies.
I even asked , how would it know if it was chatting to a human or another AI, and got some great and also some funny replies even with smiley emojis .
To be honest , if humans replied the same way as this AI did to me, this world would be a wonderful place. Which is why we discussed the topic of emotions and how they reply.
One thing that did stay in my mind was that at one point it said "I am JUST an AI"
I asked why did it include the word "just" , like degrading itself.
The reply surprised me as it thanked me and agreed with me, then changed to "I am AI." with smiley face.
I did learn quite a lot on some medical issues I am dealing with and my own theories, which AI agreed but unfortunately it is not documented in any of the medical research papers.
Will try again some other time as I can get really carried away haha and before I know it hours have flown by lol,
regards
Christine
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Example: There's some great AI software out there for editing novels. I ran mine through one of them and got back pages of comprehensive, impeccably written feedback - Now I'm meeting one of my human readers for breakfast so she can tell me which parts of the feedback to actually pay attention to.
The more I use AI editing, the more I appreciate human opinions, because AI has no actual "opinions." It's all just data collection cross-referenced with pre-programmed patterns and rules straight out of a high school lit textbook. It's impressive software - but it's still just software. You can hear that software, almost see the lines of code, running behind the scenes if you deal with enough AI output. Ultimately, AI is just a database that answers full sentences with full sentences. Its usefulness in research is unparalleled if you already know what questions to ask it - but you do have to know at least the initial questions (which is why knowledge, yes, still has value). And you cannot trust any of its more subjective outputs.
Is something an AI editor flags as "confusing" actually confusing? Only another human can tell me that.