What should I learn, AI or Blockchain?
In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, choosing between AI and blockchain can be a crucial decision for your career. We’ve gathered insights from founders and senior AI research scientists to help guide your learning path. From the buzz of blockchain to the broad influence of AI, discover the top eleven perspectives on whether you should dive into AI or blockchain.
Compare Blockchain Buzz with AI Impact
Think about future integration of AI and Blockchain
Consider AI’s broad influence and ethics
Assess personal learning preferences
Provide more diverse employment opportunities through AI
Evaluate goals to determine your path
Weigh the importance of innovation and trust
Increase efficiency and automate processes with AI
Look at Blockchain’s long-term revolutionary potential
Choose AI for Immediate Impact or Blockchain’s Promise
Recognize AI’s tangible impact on digital marketing
Compare Blockchain Buzz with AI Impact
As someone who could be considered an early adopter of blockchain and crypto, and now an AI enthusiast, I believe I can share a unique perspective.
With blockchain, especially in the early days, the passion and buzz was palpable, and it was driven by motives to change the world and the way we live. Yet, as it matured and financial gains became more apparent, the narrative shifted primarily to monetization. And most of the excitement is about what blockchain can do or be, rather than what it does.
AI is completely different. Just in the last 12 months (since ChatGPT changed the game), I’ve seen more real-world use cases (personal, professional and business) than I’ve seen in the last 10 years in blockchain, and it’s only going to get crazier in 2024. I can not wait.
AI is where it is and where it is going. I highly recommend that you learn AI.
Will Chenfounder, AI worthy
Think about future integration of AI and Blockchain
In 1-2 years it will be similar to the question: “What should I learn, the Internet or cyber security?” The answer is, both or neither. Soon, both AI and blockchain technology will be ingrained in the fabric of the way we interact with digital platforms and environments.
AI will be integrated into any and every repeatable task, from spokes to chatbots to emails—it’s estimated that 60%+ of our internet experience will be AI-driven as soon as 2026. When AI has fully permeated our digital experience, blockchain will soon become equally pervasive as a method of verifying credentials on a chain, or, put more simply, proving humanity.
In an internet run by artificial intelligence, the blockchain will be our best bet for proving authentic interactions, as we will all have provable chain IDs or “soul bound” tokens that we will identify by signing digital contracts on the blockchain .
In the future, these technologies will be so ingrained in our world that we won’t need to learn about them in the same way that we don’t need to learn about the Internet or an iPhone to use them. AI will be much more widely applicable and ‘teachable’ over the next 1-2 years, but in the long term both technologies will have a significant impact on our future.
David Cashfounder and managing director, Cash Labs
Consider AI’s broad influence and ethics
While blockchain technology may have some practical applications, AI has a tremendous and growing involvement in all aspects of life. Everything from customer service to national security can benefit from the judicious application of AI.
For example, acquiring skills in handling machine learning models will benefit professionals in a wide variety of industries. Generative AI has become a part of everyday life for many people, so getting comfortable with LLMs will pay off.
Regardless of the application, users of AI should familiarize themselves with the ethics of AI. AI itself is not dangerous, but its abuse by weak actors, or even those unfamiliar with the potential pitfalls, certainly poses a danger.
Gene LocklearSenior AI Research Scientist, Sentient Digital, Inc.
Assess personal learning preferences
Both AI and blockchain are fields with tremendous potential, but the best choice for you depends on your interests. If you have a passion for data, problem solving and creating systems, then AI may be the path for you.
Think of groundbreaking advances such as self-driving cars and medical diagnosis systems. If you find yourself captivated by decentralized systems that can revolutionize industries, then blockchain could be a perfect match.
Imagine supply chains that can track themselves autonomously or tamper-free voting systems. It all boils down to this question: Do you want to focus on making machines smarter or ensuring trustless transactions?
Once you’ve identified your core interest, immerse yourself in resources, get involved in communities, and start honing your skills! It is important to keep in mind that both domains are evolving rapidly; so get ready for a learning journey.
Omar MasriSoftware entrepreneur and founder, Mamori.io
Provide more diverse employment opportunities through AI
They are a bit like apples and oranges. Blockchain is a specific technology, while AI is much more of a category.
From a job opportunity perspective, AI is probably a better choice as there are many paths you can take, starting from writing chat questions to writing machine learning code. AI will permeate most businesses within a few short years and be part of any information ecosystem.
Blockchain is a more specific technology that is mostly applied to financial transactions. While the application of this technology is growing, its adoption is much slower and narrower than AI.
Pierce Baughfounder, Strategic Database Systems
Evaluate goals to determine your path
I would say that both AI and blockchain knowledge matter these days. It all depends on the goals you are trying to achieve. Artificial intelligence plays an important role in digital marketing activities, especially if you are a content creator, UX/UI designer, copywriter, market researcher or AI manager.
Your job most likely involves AI tools, and to stay productive and efficient, you need to be proficient with them. If you get involved in Web3—cryptocurrency, NFTs, smart contracts, web wallets, and digital assets—you must be interested in blockchain.
It is the core concept of the Web3 world that allows users to have improved data security, greater information transparency, decentralized networks, stable connections and technical error resistance.
Dmytro Rodionovdigital marketer, Soft blues
Weigh the importance of innovation and trust
Choosing between AI and blockchain is akin to choosing between a brilliant personal assistant and an incorruptible, trust-building accountant. The prodigy, AI, promises to make your systems smarter by anticipating demands and automating tasks like a dream team member.
It’s like having a strong brainstorming partner on hand, ready to turn data into meaningful insights. Blockchain functions as a meticulous accountant, guaranteeing that every transaction is error-free, tamper-proof and transparent.
If your company relies on trust and transparency, such as when handling sensitive data or transactions, blockchain can be your secret weapon.
Consider AI as the avant-garde artist that is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries, while blockchain is the reliable friend that always has your back. What is the option? It’s a choice between an innovative powerhouse and an unbreakable confidence builder on your tech team’s roster.
Simon RyanChief Technology Officer, First wave
Increase efficiency and automate processes with AI
The ability of AI to automate operations and increase efficiency across a range of processes is one of its key features. Gaining knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI) can help develop systems that can learn, adapt and improve over time.
Robotic systems powered by AI, for example, automate repetitive tasks in manufacturing, increasing productivity. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots in customer service provide quick responses to queries, improve customer satisfaction and reduce response times.
Gaining knowledge of AI enables you to create intelligent systems that improve organizational productivity by streamlining processes, reducing manual labor and increasing the overall workload.
Sasha QuailBusiness Development Manager, claims.co.uk
Look at Blockchain’s long-term revolutionary potential
I recommend that you learn more about blockchain as early as now. While AI is currently a hot topic and has immediate applications, blockchain technology holds great potential for the future.
It is poised to revolutionize not just finance, but a multitude of industries, by providing secure, decentralized systems for transactions. So getting a deep understanding of blockchain now can give you a significant advantage in the long run.
Michael Schmied, Chief Financial Consultant, Loans Switzerland
Choose AI for Immediate Impact or Blockchain’s Promise
It all depends on the motivations driving your decision. AI is very hot. Looking at the market needs, it picks up quickly because it solves various business problems across industries in the short term. It is a reality.
Blockchain is still a big question mark about the problems it solves and its impact on markets and industries, but I believe it has great potential.
Think about whether you are more willing to solve market problems in the short term with AI or figure out what blockchain can solve in the long term. What would make you happier and better suited to the stage of your professional career?
Jose Bermejofounder and managing partner, Predictable innovation strategy
Recognize AI’s tangible impact on digital marketing
From my experience with Adaptify SEO, a platform that uses AI for SEO efforts, I have seen a significant boost in the effectiveness and efficiency of SEO strategies in various businesses. AI’s ability to automate and optimize tasks such as generating targeted keyword groups, creating content and building backlinks greatly improves online visibility, organic traffic and backlink opportunities.
One of the case studies I was involved with included NachaTech, a firm dealing with ACH/NACHA validation. Their impressions saw a 64% month-over-month growth with AI’s involvement. Another example is how Beacon Digital Marketing ranked an article on Page 1 for five high-value terms within days due to AI’s integration into their workflow.
Therefore, I would say, based on my experience and the tangible results seen, that learning AI can provide tremendous value in today’s digital marketing landscape. While blockchain also has potential and is worth exploring, the impact of AI on digital marketing and SEO is currently more evident and widespread.
Dominic Zijlstrafounder, Customize AI
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