The Pool Table and the AI Revolution: A Reflection on the Cost of Late Adoption

By Richard Sebaggala

 

Recently, during a quiet conversation with my longtime friend Moses, our discussion took an unexpected turn — from artificial intelligence (AI) to pool tables. This detour took me back in time, back to my first year of University over two decades ago.

Back then, pool tables had just found their way into our neighborhoods and were especially popular with high school dropouts and younger boys in urban areas of the country. As university students, we initially dismissed the game as trivial and not worthy of our time. But curiosity eventually got the better of us.

 

The experience was humbling.

Every time I approached the table, I was clearly defeated by players who had left their formal education behind. They had already mastered the game, while we, the supposedly more educated, struggled with the basics. The embarrassment was palpable. I quietly withdrew and never played pool again.

That memory resurfaced as Moses and I pondered the rapid rise of AI. The parallels were striking

AI is the pool table of today, only with much higher stakes. It is a tool, a platform, a revolution that touches the essence of intelligence. And like the pool table of old, it is being embraced early by the bold, curious, and unconventional, many of whom have no formal training in AI or technology. They are exploring, experimenting, and inventing new ways of thinking, writing, teaching, and working.

 

In fact, a 2024 survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 39.4% of adults in the US have used generative AI tools like ChatGPT, with 28% having used them for work-related tasks. Notably, even among blue-collar workers, 22.1% reported using generative AI at work, suggesting that adoption is moving beyond traditional tech roles. Furthermore, Generation Z is leading the way in the use of AI. A study by Aithor found that nearly 80% of Generation Z professionals (18-21 year olds) use AI tools for more than half of their work tasks.

 

Interestingly, many of these users are integrating AI into their workflows without formal training. Microsoft's 2024 Work Trend Index reports that 75% of knowledge workers use AI at work, with 46% having started within the last six months. Remarkably, 78% of these users bring their own AI tools to work, often without formal training or organizational support.

 

In the meantime, many professionals, scientists and experienced experts remain on the sidelines — hesitant, skeptical or overwhelmed. Some are waiting for legislation, others are looking for clearer use cases. But the longer we wait, the greater the embarrassment could be when we finally try to engage and realize we have some catching up to do in an area that was once our intellectual domain.

 

A 2024 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the use of AI in the workplace decreases with age: About 34% of workers under 40 use AI at work, compared to only 17% of those over 50. in 2024, a survey by Ellucian found that while the use of AI in academia has increased, there are still significant concerns: 59% of college staff expressed concern about data security and privacy, and 78% of administrators feared that AI could compromise academic integrity.

 

In Africa, these global trends are mirrored. A 2024 survey conducted by KnowBe4 in several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, found that a significant proportion of AI users are in the 18–34 age group, suggesting that AI adoption is being led by a youthful demographic. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by concerns about data privacy and the ethical implications of AI technologies.

 

In academia, South African universities are looking at integrating AI into their curricula and research. A study by the University of the Western Cape has highlighted challenges such as inadequate technological infrastructure, limited funding and a lack of clear guidelines for the use of AI in education.

These findings underline the importance of a proactive approach to AI technologies in all sectors. Waiting for perfect conditions or comprehensive regulations can lead to missed opportunities and a widening skills gap. It is imperative that professionals, academics, and institutions in Africa invest time and resources in understanding and integrating AI into their respective fields.

 

This is not just about technology. It's about identity, relevance, and the future of work. AI is a tool for thinking — fast, smart, and scalable. Delaying the adoption of AI could mean missing out on one of the greatest opportunities of our generation.

 

As an economist by training, I never considered myself tech-savvy. In fact, I often felt out of place in conversations about emerging technologies. But when I recognized the transformative potential of AI, I made a deliberate choice not to be left behind. I committed time to exploring and experimenting with AI tools, and that decision has paid off. Today, I can confidently say I operate at the same level as many professionals with a tech background. It’s a reminder that with curiosity and dedication, anyone can bridge the gap and thrive in the age of AI.

 

Let us not allow history to repeat itself with the table game. Let's embrace the discomfort of learning something new, even if others seem to be far ahead. The sooner we get to grips with AI, the more likely we are to use it responsibly, creatively, and inclusively. Because this time it's about intelligence. And we can't afford to sit it out.