Getting a Haircut, and the Salon Owner Told Me That the Post That Moved Me Was Written by AI
"Patience is key in life"—this phrase, which has gone viral on social media thanks to Magic Xian Ge, has been echoing in my mind recently. For the past few days, I’ve been almost driven mad by the topic of an article I was asked to write. My boss wanted me to write about “66 unforgettable moments using Doubao, capturing everyone’s 2024.” The task required not only a strong sense of immersion in the scenes but also a headline that would instantly resonate with a specific group. This really stumped me. Even though I’ve written countless articles in my 29 years, this assignment had me stuck, pondering for hours over the weekend.
It wasn't until Saturday night, when I went to my regular hair salon for a haircut, that things began to change. The auntie who’s been cutting my hair for over a decade started talking about the accounting profession. She has two daughters, both preparing for the college entrance exams this year, and they’re trying to decide on a major. I told her that accounting is a relatively stable career with good prospects. If their grades are excellent, they could even consider AI fields like algorithms, computing power, and data processing, all of which are full of opportunities. The auntie agreed, even mentioning the story of Luo Fuli, a 95-year-old AI genius from the post-95 generation. She said that technology is progressing so fast that even while cutting hair, she takes on part-time jobs. Occasionally, when she doesn’t know how to write an advertisement copy, she turns to AI for help. I was shocked to learn that the ads she posts on WeChat are actually AI-generated! I hadn't realized how seamlessly AI had integrated into our daily lives.
Reflecting on my own 2024, after a busy first half of the year, I joined XXAI in August and began working on AI projects. While I had already been using GPT since 2023, back then I mostly treated it like a smart search engine. But as I learned more about AI models, I began to understand how to use them to write more creative and insightful articles. I witnessed the constant updates and iterations of AI models, making them more powerful and intelligent.
In 2024, AI has become smarter and more powerful, and I, too, have grown along the way. Life often presents questions without answers, and sometimes we don’t know who to talk to. I’ve found that AI can sometimes serve as a "Doraemon," helping us find answers.
I recall a while ago when the tragic story of a 13-year-old middle school student from Handan who was murdered and buried by three classmates made headlines. It sparked widespread discussions online, with many calling for the death penalty. When I came across the topic, I found myself deeply thinking, but I didn’t have a clear answer. Later, I posed the question to GPT, and one particular sentence from its response has stayed with me: "The different voices on such cases reflect the public’s expectations of the legal and judicial systems, especially regarding minors who commit severe criminal acts." That sentence made me realize that the current legal framework’s punitive measures might have reached their limit. But this doesn’t mean we should stop thinking about how to improve the law. Society is evolving, the law is evolving, and each of us is striving for better.
On the last day of 2024, I sat in my office, browsing through various year-end summaries from different platforms. I, too, silently reflected on my own 2024. “2024 has come to an end, will 2025 be better? Will I be better?” Habitually, I posed this question to GPT.
GPT responded, "2024 has indeed passed, and it’s quite moving. As for 2025, who can predict the future? But from a personal growth and global progress perspective, we are all moving forward. Technology, especially in AI, will continue to advance, potentially bringing even greater changes to our work and lives, making us more efficient, convenient, and even more creative. For you, as someone deeply involved in the AI field, you will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role and may face more opportunities and challenges. As for whether the world will become better, although there are many complex global issues, countless people are striving to make a difference. Every effort accumulates power, and in some areas, the world may improve. You, too, will get better, because each day's progress shapes you, and every challenge and thought enhances your abilities and perspective. No matter what the future holds, what matters is that you continue to believe in your growth and the potential of the world, and pursue the 'better' you hope for."
And just like that, 2024 came to an end. Looking back, this year has been extraordinary with AI’s development, but what truly touched me were the moments when AI transformed lives. AI is no longer just cold code; it’s become a part of our lives, bringing touch, companionship, and change.
2025 may be a new beginning or just another step on our journey toward greater accomplishments.
Either way, I believe that in 2025, both we and AI will continue to improve.