Are You Obsolete?
Psychology Today
by Vasant Dhar, Ph.D.February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, raising concerns about human obsolescence across various fields. The article explores how AI's self-learning capabilities, particularly through self-supervision, are transforming industries like finance and education. While AI can replicate tasks that once required years of expertise, such as developing investment strategies, it highlights the unique qualities humans bring—like intuition, experience, and adaptability—that may not be easily replicated by machines.
In finance, AI has streamlined processes that previously took extensive time and experience to develop. The author reflects on how their investment strategy, which took several years to conceptualize, could now be recreated in a fraction of the time by skilled data scientists. However, this underscores the importance of human expertise in framing the right questions and interpreting AI outputs effectively.
In education, AI is increasingly used as a tool to enhance learning experiences. Students utilize AI to clarify concepts during lessons, while educators explore how AI might eventually assist in real-time discussions and personalized student evaluations. Despite these advancements, the author notes that human intuition and spontaneous classroom insights remain irreplaceable for now.
The article raises significant implications for mental health, particularly anxiety about adaptability in a rapidly changing job market. The fear of becoming obsolete can lead to stress and uncertainty about future career prospects, highlighting the need for continuous learning and embracing AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement.
Ultimately, while AI poses challenges, it also offers opportunities for collaboration between humans and machines. Balancing technological advancements with human skills will be crucial in navigating this new era, ensuring that mental well-being isn't overshadowed by concerns about obsolescence.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/19/2026