Staying Human in a World of AI

AI is getting smarter every day — but how do we stay sharp, conscious and human ourselves?

In this blog, Reinier Kersbergen, Senior Consultant and certified trainer at Highberg Academy, shares his personal perspective on AI. From when he deliberately chooses not to use AI, to which developments excite and unsettle him, and why human skills become more valuable as technology evolves.

For things I can easily figure out myself, I deliberately avoid using AI. I like to pause and consider the significant amount of energy and water consumed by all that computing power. Instead of becoming “lazy” and typing a prompt for every little question, I prefer to look things up myself. It’s better for the planet — and it keeps my own brain sharp.

The path toward AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) fascinates me, but it’s also quite unsettling. It still feels like a distant horizon, yet the consequences could be enormous once machines become as intelligent as, or even more intelligent than, humans. The idea that the world could look completely different is hard to fully grasp. I see huge potential, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about our role in that future.

Many people expect AI to solve everything in one magical prompt. In reality, you get far better results with a forward-leaning mindset. Treat AI as a sparring partner: engage, challenge, and continuously refine the output. Instead of leaning back and waiting for “the answer,” you actively shape it. That interaction is what separates generic output from results that truly add value.

The smarter AI becomes, the more valuable our uniquely human skills are. Real connection, meaningful interaction and sensing the room, things algorithms simply can’t do. Especially in roles focused on driving change, the human factor remains the key to success. While technology handles data and analysis, humans create impact through genuine connection.

My job, of course — haha. But seriously, I hope the massive productivity gains don’t simply disappear into more work and more output. Instead, I hope AI genuinely improves our lives. If AI gives us time back, let’s use it for what truly matters, rather than just producing more.