<p class=cs-document-type>Clarity</p> # Why Care About Clarity on AI<span class=cs-invisible>:</span> <span class=cs-subtitle>Better understanding of AI is key to steering it toward positive outcomes</span> <p class=cs-byline>David Truog</p> <p class=cs-dateline>28 Mar 2026</p> <p class=cs-reading-time>1–2 min read</p> <p class=cs-dek> Predictions about the likely impacts of AI range from utopian to dystopian — but most everyone would prefer positive outcomes. To achieve them, we need to replace confusion with clarity. </p> *Note: this brief is my condensed version of [[Industry and Society Need AI Clarity]], in which I provide more evidence and examine the dynamics in more detail.* ## The problem: deep divergence about AI’s impact We’re in a storm of division about AI. Opinions about what its impact will be range from utopian to dystopian among technology and AI research leaders[^1] as well as among the public worldwide.[^2] The divergence is a problem for industry and society: it’s causing uncertainty within organizations, dissension about regulation, doubt among investors, and fear from individuals and families. To overcome these challenges requires examining what’s driving the divergence. ### Confusion is supercharging division The storm was started and has been sustained by the fact that AI is already both helping and hurting individuals and organizations. It’s been intensified by growing recognition that although most organizations have AI efforts underway, few are paying off so far.[^3] Above all, it’s supercharged by poor understanding of AI[^4] — and the ascendance of generative AI is worsening the confusion. ## The solution: action rooted in clarity about AI The divergence is about *predictions* — not *preferences.* For the most part, everyone has an interest in getting past the problems caused by the division. So to overcome it, we need a mindset shift: “the best way to predict the future is to invent it,” as Alan Kay pointed out.[^5] That means taking action instead of taking sides. And to take effective action requires graduating from confusion about AI to clarity about it — because, in the words of Tristan Harris: > Clarity creates agency.[^6] Clarity on AI will drive better-informed, more effective decisions and actions, which will make the positive outcomes most of us want far more likely. ### Next - To launch into gaining more clarity about AI, see my [[Briefs#Clarity briefs key technologies, concepts, and research explained|Clarity briefs]], which explain key technologies, concepts, and cutting-edge research. - For my fuller examination of the evidence and dynamics I’ve condensed in this brief, see [[Industry and Society Need AI Clarity]]. [^1]: See [[The Polarized Predictions About AI]], a Source brief in which I’ve aggregated a range of perspectives about the likely impacts of AI, from prominent leaders in industry and research. [^2]: “[Public and expert predictions for AI’s next 20 years](https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/04/03/public-and-expert-predictions-for-ais-next-20-years/)” (Pew Research Center, 3 April 2025) and “[Concern and excitement about AI](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/10/15/concern-and-excitement-about-ai/)” (Pew Research Center, 15 October 2025). [^3]: *[The State of AI in 2025: Agents, Innovation, and Transformation](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai),* page 14 (McKinsey & Company, November 2025). “Respondents who attribute EBIT impact of 5 percent or more to AI use and say their organization has seen “significant” value from AI use — our definition of AI high performers, representing about 6 percent of respondents\[…\].” [^4]: “[AI awareness around the world](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/10/15/ai-awareness-around-the-world/)” (Pew Research Center, 15 October 2025). [^5]: [Alan Kay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Kay), “Learning vs. Teaching with Educational Technologies” (*EDUCOM Bulletin,* Fall/Winter 1983, page 17). Attribution verified in “[We Cannot Predict the Future, But We Can Invent It](https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/09/27/invent-the-future/)” (Quote Investigator, 27 September 2012). [^6]: [Tristan Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristan_Harris), [“Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation”](https://www.ted.com/talks/tristan_harris_why_ai_is_our_ultimate_test_and_greatest_invitation), in the 11:33 transcript paragraph (TED, April 2025).