From Fear to Action: What Electricity Teaches Us About AI

Although AI research dates back to the 1950s, the modern AI era arguably began in November 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT.

For the first time, millions of people could access advanced AI capabilities through a simple conversation.

According to Microsoft's 2024 Work Trend Index, 78% of employees using AI at work were bringing their own AI tools rather than waiting for official approval. The demand existed before many organisations had considered their AI strategy.

This rapid adoption highlights a critical point: people rarely need convincing to use technology that helps them perform better.

Like electricity made energy accessible and digitalisation made information accessible, AI is making intelligence accessible.

Analysis, summarisation, drafting and problem-solving are increasingly available to anyone with access to the right tools.