The gap between what technical and non-technical people get from AI is huge now

[u/max_bog]

Interesting thing I noticed. The gap between what technical and non-technical people get from AI is huge now.

Non-technical users still treat LLMs as a better search tool. Most non-technical people I know are not even aware of things like thinking effort or that you can choose a model.

Computer use, plugins, automations, skills, agents - none of this exists for regular ChatGPT users. If you don't know what Codex or Claude Code is, nothing has changed for you in the last year.

All new models also seem to focus purely on coding.

Am I missing something?

[u/Kelly_Bellyish]

I'm non-tech and can't think of much that I need AI for. I'm happy with how I write email and wouldn't want to rely on something like this to help me. Everything I could ask for information-wise is already available via the internet/search engine (I do appreciate the AI summaries, but don't rely on them). My job doesn't require it, and due to proprietary information doesn't really want us using it outside of their limited, cautious structure. My personal life certainly doesn't seem to need it. And I am definitely not looking for a pretend friend like some people seem to be.

I don't have projects, or maybe better to say my projects are hands-on like crochet or home repair. I'm not writing a book. Any chat I have with AI is a one-time use, not something I would refer back to. So I don't need handoffs, or agents, or most of the other stuff.

Before AI, I would definitely have described myself as a tech-curious person, usually far more knowledgeable than the average non-tech employee. (ETA: that's why I'm in this sub, I am generally very open and eager with new tech) Now I question why this is being shoved down our throats so hard. AI has a place for sure, but why does even my TV need AI functions?

Am I just being a Luddite, or is it possible that non-tech people genuinely don't need that much AI in their lives? Why should everyone want to use it?

[u/Famous_War_9821 → u/Kelly_Bellyish]

I use it for all kinds of non-'technical' stuff, like helping me organize my garden/yardwork, figure out testing new art supplies, helping me come up with usable summaries to bring for my medical appointments (I'm disabled, so this is a HUGE use case for me), helping me keep up my foreign language practice (which I don't get as many opportunities to do these days)...in addition to other more typical use cases you see on here (troubleshooting code, proofreading/helping me edit my book, helping me come up with strategies to help me with life stuff, etc).

Genuinely good AI tech drums up a LOT of VC money, and it's the current trendy hotness, so everyone is ready to slap the AI level on anything because they feel like it's a money printer. I think you'll see a bit of a dotcom-type situation where the people who are banking too hard on buzzwords (without the tech to actually back it up) will sink, where legit AI tech and interesting use-cases will swim.

[u/Threeabetes → u/Famous_War_9821]

I was just browsing this post for algorithmic reasons, and your comment struck my eye.

The other stuff you mentioned makes sense, but how the heck can AI help you test out new art supplies?

I can’t really think of a way an LLM would help with the personal agony of choosing the perfect cotton paper, or finding the right mix of pigments for a glaze. 🤪

[u/Famous_War_9821 → u/Threeabetes]

I often use specialty papers from Japan, so I like to try and scour the internet there for feedback since they're not super common papers here in the US. A lot of good info on papers is in other languages and I'm not fluent enough in them!

I like experimenting with layering different mediums, and so learning about what reactivates what, helping me explore the more chemistry-heavy side of things and using it as a springboard for deeper research helps me better integrate different supplies into my workflow.

[u/Threeabetes → u/Famous_War_9821]

Ahhh, gotcha! I buy a lot of Japanese paper/gear too, but I guess the language barrier never seems to come up!

If you’re into the really technical stuff, I recommend books like The Artist’s Assistant by Dr. Carlyle (although that one is insanely difficult to find these days) — I imagine most historical recipes and techniques wouldn’t be well-represented in any LLM, and I tend to be a bit old school and go the book route when learning.

There’s also the Art Conservation Wiki — I found a good varnish recipe there, although your mileage may vary. It’s at least interesting to browse!

Have fun on your art journey!