"Intelligence will become less scarce"... The future competency emphasized by a Meta engineer is 'Taste'

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances, what are the core competencies humans must possess in an era where the scarcity of intelligence is decreasing? Ahn Sang-hyeon, an engineer who has risen to the level of E7 (Senior Staff) engineer after five promotions during his eight years at Meta, presented the changes AI will bring and the direction for future talent.

The turning point of AI's second act: A shift from 'human-centric' to 'agent-centric'

Ahn Sang-hyeon defined the development stages of AI as a 'second act,' citing the 'shift from human-centric to agent-centric organizations and thinking' as the key keyword. He explained that while the existing technological environment was optimized to fit human abilities and limitations, a process of redefining and redesigning these premises will occur in the future.

In particular, he emphasized that we must move beyond the stage of using AI as a simple tool like a calculator and transition to an 'AI-native' stage where tasks are leveraged through agents. Ahn mentioned that in utilizing AI agents, it would be faster to identify 'if there is any reason why this won't work' rather than questioning 'can this work,' noting that the use of AI must become commonplace.

Physical AI and wearables: Changes in the interface

The flow of technology is expected to extend beyond AI agents to 'Physical AI' with physical entities. Citing Tesla's autonomous driving cases, Ahn explained that the comfort and convenience provided by functions are the key factors determining user experience. He viewed that whether the 'Ontology'—which establishes the relationships between data—can be resolved will be the key to solving the bottleneck in the era of Physical AI.

Regarding the interface, he focused on wearable devices that have the potential to replace smartphones. Ahn analyzed that in the past, before AI existed, there was a 'button hell' where one had to press buttons, but in the agent era, communication based on the five senses—seeing, hearing, and speaking, which are unique human interfaces—will become important. Accordingly, he added that wearable devices in the form of glasses or bracelet-type devices that issue commands through gestures will become important points for expanding user experience.

The decline in the scarcity of intelligence and the new value of engineers

As AI reaches a level where it can develop itself, the added value required of engineers is changing. Ahn pointed out that the 'perfection' created by AI might actually lack charm because it is not human-like, explaining that intelligent ability alone cannot produce more value.

He presented three core competencies for future engineers. First is 'problem definition ability,' which involves designing goals well. This includes the humanistic aspect of designing what to achieve and how much empathy and support those goals can receive from people. Second is 'verification ability,' which is judging whether the AI's output is necessarily good. Third is the most important factor: the ability to understand and persuade people. Ahn emphasized that while making things has become easier, selling the results remains difficult, making the realm of 'taste'—the ability to move people's hearts—crucial.