Tech paradox: fear of being left behind drives China non-programmers to build own AI tools

In China, a growing number of non-programmers are creating their own AI tools, driven by a fear of being left behind as technology reshapes work and daily life. This anxiety is evident across social media, with employers now expecting workers to have AI literacy. At the same time, the number of students pursuing humanities programs in universities is decreasing. This paradox highlights the need for humans to explore and navigate tasks that only they can perform in the age of AI.

Three non-programmers have been profiled by the Chinese media: Congcong, a former product manager in her 40s, Heisen, a 36-year-old new-media editor, and Lucy, a 40-year-old internet operations worker. Congcong created spoken English training agents for herself and her daughter using ChatGPT, and an AI bot to monitor her child's homework and breaks. Heisen developed a meal-planning mini-programme for his mother, while Lucy built an AI-powered wardrobe tool to organize her clothes and recommend outfits.

While AI tools have improved daily efficiency for these individuals, they have also intensified their concerns about the future of work. Peng Kaiping, a professor at Tsinghua University, argues that some anxiety about AI can be beneficial as it sharpens vigilance. However, he cautions against overreliance on AI, which can create an illusion of knowledge and undermine critical thinking skills.

He also emphasizes the importance of genuine parental involvement in education and less focus on key performance indicators in the workplace.

In response to AI anxiety, Lucy has found an unexpected antidote in tai chi, a practice that allows her to pause and reconnect with herself. Her late father, who cherished the exercise, inspired her to take it up, reminding her of what AI cannot replicate – genuine human connections.