Every July 16, we mark AI Appreciation Day—a relatively young observance, but one that has become increasingly relevant in a world that rarely slows down. It’s a reminder to take stock not only of how far artificial intelligence has come, but how deeply it’s embedded itself into our lives—sometimes without us even noticing.
When I think about AI, I think less about the machines and more about the momentum it represents. The speed. The shifts. The subtle ways it’s reshaping how we live, work, and think. It’s fascinating—and a little unsettling, if we’re being honest. But it’s also inspiring, because at its best, AI doesn’t replace human potential. It elevates it.
Beyond the Buzz: What Are We Really Appreciating?
For me, AI Appreciation Day isn’t just about celebrating the latest tech. It’s about recognizing a broader truth: that intelligence—whether natural or artificial—is at its best when it’s paired with intention.
Think about the ways we now engage with AI:
- It finishes our sentences and powers our search queries.
- It helps screen diseases, guide vehicles, predict floods, and recommend books.
- It writes, it codes, it listens, it learns.
But even as AI becomes more impressive, the real question is: What are we choosing to do with it?
AI in itself isn’t a virtue. It’s a mirror. It reflects back the ethics, values, and motivations of those who build it and use it. That’s why this day matters—not to glorify the machine, but to elevate the conversation.
Reframing the Relationship
If you’re a leader, creator, parent, teacher, or simply someone curious about what’s next, AI Appreciation Day is a chance to reframe the relationship. Don’t just ask what AI can do—ask how you want to grow alongside it.
AI is no longer just a back-office tool. It’s writing our headlines, organizing our workflows, and even coaching our conversations. It’s in our phones, our homes, our classrooms, and our boardrooms. It’s not the future anymore. It’s the now.
So we have a responsibility—not just to innovate, but to humanize the direction we’re heading in.
From Hype to Harmony
I believe AI Appreciation Day is less about awe and more about alignment. Are we aligned with the kind of future we’re building? Are we using AI to amplify our better instincts—our creativity, empathy, and collective potential?
That’s what I’m reflecting on today. And I hope you are, too.
Let’s keep asking better questions, and let’s use the intelligence—both human and artificial—to answer them with heart.