The World Economic Forum has made a bold statement: We are in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and this revolution is more challenging than any before it. What makes it so difficult? This new era is defined by technologies we can’t see, touch, or fully understand. From AI to big data and augmented reality, these innovations are transforming every aspect of our lives at a pace that many believe humanity simply can’t keep up with.
And yet, while the world is undeniably in disruption, I would argue that humanity itself is driving much of this change—perhaps because we are, in a way, addicted to these new technologies.
We can no longer imagine life without our smartphones, GPS, online shopping, faster delivery from Amazon, on-demand ridesharing, or 24/7 chatbots.
Our relentless demand for convenience and services is propelling entire industries to evolve, fundamentally transforming the way we work and live.
New Skills for a Data-Rich World
As the workforce continues to evolve alongside technology, several new skills have become essential to remain competitive: multimedia literacy, data literacy, and computational thinking.
One of the most critical is multimedia literacy. Today, multimedia— combining text, audio, video, and animation—has become the standard for communication. But this is rapidly evolving. With the rise of generative AI, we are moving from multimedia literacy to experiential media, where entire experiences are created and shaped by AI. Commercials, videos, and even films are already being produced entirely by AI. Technologies such as Meta’s Orion glasses are pushing this trend even further, enabling digital experiences that go beyond the limits of a smartphone screen. With large, holographic displays, users can place 2D and 3D content into the physical world, creating immersive environments that bridge reality and digital.
In addition to multimedia literacy, data literacy and computational thinking are crucial in today’s world. We live in a sea of data, and those who can interpret it effectively hold a significant advantage. But possessing data isn’t enough: You must think like a computer to process and analyze it accurately.
A newly released example of how data is leveraged in the enterprise world is Salesforce’s Agentforce, a suite of autonomous AI agents designed to augment employees by managing data and performing tasks in service, sales, marketing, and commerce. However, to fully benefit from these AI tools, businesses must define what quality data looks like and ensure that AI-driven decisions are accurate. This highlights how companies are increasingly using AI to disrupt traditional workflows and optimize efficiency.
I once experienced a misstep in data interpretation firsthand at Nordstrom. Data science students used AI to analyze my purchase history and classified me as a high spender based on the itemized brands and retail prices on the receipt. However, they failed to consider the steep discounts applied to the purchases, as I only shop during major sales events. This error underscored a lack of computational thinking—the inability to properly qualify and contextualize the data they had gathered.
As AI and automation become more ingrained in our daily lives, it can be tempting to trust these systems without question. However, overreliance on technology can lead to significant errors. A recent legal case in New York City from May 2024 highlights this risk. A lawyer used AI to generate relevant legal cases but failed to verify the results. The AI produced seemingly authentic cases that turned out to be entirely fabricated, resulting in serious consequences. Supervision of AI is essential to prevent such errors, ensuring that technology remains a tool that works for us, not against us.
The Path Forward
Yes, the world is being disrupted—by technology, shifting demographics, and evolving expectations around work and life. The Fourth Industrial Revolution may feel overwhelming, especially as we struggle to keep pace with technologies that often seem intangible. But in many ways, humanity is at the center of this disruption. We are constantly seeking new technologies and pushing for faster, more efficient ways to live our lives.
As we move forward, the key will be striking a balance between embracing these innovations and recognizing their limitations. We must develop the skills needed to thrive in this ever-changing world—from multimedia and data literacy to computational thinking. If we can achieve this, we won’t just survive the Fourth Industrial Revolution—we will lead it.