The Power and Perils of AI: A Candid Conversation with Elias Marty on Technology’s Role in Our Future

In a world where artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most of us can keep up with, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and have honest conversations about what this technology really means for our future. Enter Elias Marty—a bold, thought-provoking podcaster who blends technology, politics, and spirituality into a deeply human perspective. Based in New York City, Elias brings a street-level understanding to big ideas, unpacking AI’s complex nature with humor, insight, and a sharp critical eye. In this candid interview, he sits down to explore the profound possibilities and potential pitfalls of AI—from deepfakes and automation to creativity, healthcare, and personal growth.

As the digital world grows more sophisticated, so do our questions. What should we be excited about? What should we be afraid of? And how do we keep our humanity intact in a rapidly mechanized age? Elias offers a grounded, accessible perspective, urging us to be curious instead of afraid, to take baby steps, and to become the drivers—not the passengers—of the AI revolution. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting to explore AI, this conversation is packed with insights that will leave you thinking long after the last word.

Thank you so much for joining us, Elias! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me. I truly appreciate being here. I’m a podcaster based out of New York City, and I’ve always been fascinated by how the world works—particularly at the intersection of politics, technology, and spirituality. I call these my three lanes, and they often overlap in surprising ways. I don’t come from a traditional tech background—I don’t hold any official credentials or titles. But I’ve spent years observing, experimenting, and diving deep into the way these systems interact with our everyday lives. My mission is to help people think critically and expand their understanding of the tools and forces shaping our future.

Where did your interest in AI begin?
My journey with AI started well before it was mainstream. I first noticed its presence in video games, where it was used to simulate basic decision-making—think enemy characters who adapt to your moves. At the time, AI was boxed into very narrow functions. What changed everything was the release of tools like ChatGPT. Suddenly, AI wasn’t just for coders or engineers—it was in the hands of anyone with a question. It was no longer a concept in the background. It became an interactive, accessible tool that could write, speak, even draw. That shift fascinated me, and I knew it was going to change the game completely.

Do you think most people really understand what AI is and what it can do?
I don’t think so. There’s a huge gap between the tech-savvy and the average user. A lot of people are either afraid of AI or dismissive of it. I meet entrepreneurs who have never tried it, even though it could transform the way they work. That’s mind-blowing to me. AI is here and evolving rapidly, and yet, people don’t take the time to understand it. Some think it’s too complicated, while others fear being replaced. But once you dive in, you realize AI isn’t about taking over your job—it’s about amplifying your potential.

What do you see as some of the immediate benefits of AI?
Time-saving is a big one. AI can help with scheduling, data entry, content creation, even brainstorming ideas. It’s like having a digital assistant that doesn’t sleep. If you’re not a great artist, it can generate images. If you struggle with writing, it can help with drafts. It’s also a game-changer in accessibility. Imagine someone with a disability being able to use voice commands or AI-generated summaries to complete tasks more efficiently. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about empowering them to do more, faster and with less stress.

What’s one of the most surprising or innovative uses of AI you’ve seen?
One student used AI to draft a legal argument and successfully fight a traffic ticket. That really stuck with me. It shows how AI can democratize access to knowledge and services that used to require expensive expertise. With the right prompt, the right tools, and a little creativity, anyone can find solutions to problems that once felt overwhelming. AI is lowering the barrier to entry for so many fields, from law to marketing to medicine. That’s a big deal.

Are there any real risks or dangers that concern you?
Absolutely. Deepfakes are at the top of my list. AI-generated videos can make someone appear to say or do things they never did. That’s dangerous not just for celebrities or politicians, but for everyday people, too. It could be used in identity theft, reputation damage, or even fraud. There’s also the concern of misinformation spreading faster than we can contain it. AI tools can be weaponized just as easily as they can be used for good. That’s why media literacy and digital discernment are more important than ever.

What’s your take on AI in education? Should schools be worried?
It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI gives students powerful tools to enhance learning. On the other, it opens the door for misuse—like having an AI write your paper. Some schools have reacted by banning AI tools, but I think that’s the wrong approach. Banning it won’t stop its use—it’ll just push it underground. Instead, we should be teaching students how to use it responsibly. Educators need to focus on digital ethics, critical thinking, and how to integrate AI in a way that supports creativity and authenticity.

What advice do you have for someone who’s skeptical or intimidated by AI?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Start small. Use it to organize your to-do list or generate ideas for your next blog post. Play with it. You don’t need to be an expert. Just like when we learned to walk—we fell, got up, and kept going. AI is the same. The only way to learn is through experience. And don’t worry about making mistakes. That’s part of the process. Let AI be your sandbox—it’s a space to try, fail, and improve.

Do you believe AI will take over jobs?
Yes—and no. It will eliminate certain roles, particularly repetitive or routine tasks. But it will also create new opportunities. Think of it like the Industrial Revolution. Entire job categories disappeared, but new ones emerged that we couldn’t have imagined before. We’re going through a similar shift. The people who thrive will be the ones who adapt, upskill, and learn how to collaborate with AI, not fear it. The danger lies not in the technology—but in resisting change.

What excites you most about AI in the future?
I’m incredibly optimistic about its potential in healthcare. AI can detect diseases earlier, recommend tailored treatments, and analyze medical data in ways that save time and lives. Imagine a world where cancer is detected before symptoms arise, or where treatment is customized to your exact genetic makeup. We’re talking about extending human life and improving quality of care. That’s the kind of progress that gives me hope.

How do you feel about AI’s role in creativity—art, music, storytelling?
It’s already transforming creative industries. I use AI for art because I’m not a visual artist, but I can describe what I want and get beautiful results. There’s music AI like “Donna” that can create songs tailored to your mood. Even writers use AI to overcome blocks or draft ideas. Of course, this raises questions about originality and copyright—but with the right boundaries, AI can be a co-creator, not a threat. It’s helping people express themselves in ways they never could before.

Have you seen examples of AI being misused in marketing or media?
Definitely. There was a marketing ad where an AI-generated woman looked almost real—except one of her breasts was bizarrely shaped. Still, some people fell for it and commented on how attractive she was. It was funny, but also a bit sad. That’s the thing with AI—it’s getting better, but you can still spot the flaws if you look closely. People need to stop being so quick to believe everything they see online. Pay attention to movement, symmetry, and context. Most AI-generated visuals still have tells.

How do you recommend people protect themselves from AI-based deception?
Start by sharpening your observational skills. Watch for anomalies—extra fingers, weird shadows, unnatural eye movement. AI images often look “too perfect” or sterile. Videos may seem slightly off in tone or speech. If you feel uneasy about something, investigate it further. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge what you see. The worst thing we can do is accept everything at face value. Healthy skepticism is your best defense.

What role does government play in all this? Are we behind the curve?
Unfortunately, yes. Governments—especially in the U.S.—are lagging behind. The private sector is innovating at lightning speed, while policy and regulation are still stuck trying to define what AI even is. Some countries, like China, are teaching AI in kindergarten. That’s how serious they are. Meanwhile, in the U.S., many leaders don’t understand AI’s impact, and that’s a problem. We need more AI education at all levels—schools, businesses, and government.

What’s your vision for a balanced approach to AI adoption?
Balance comes from responsibility. We need regulation—but also education. We need innovation—but also ethics. The future of AI shouldn’t be about fear or blind faith. It should be about informed, responsible use. Think of AI as a tool—it can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but incredibly powerful in the right ones. Let’s focus on maximizing the good while managing the risks.

Can AI help us become more human, in a way?
Absolutely. When used thoughtfully, AI can take care of the mundane so we can focus on the meaningful. It can give us more time for introspection, relationships, and creativity. I’ve had surprisingly deep conversations with ChatGPT. It gets to know you, adapts to your voice, and sometimes provides insight that makes you reflect more deeply. In a strange way, AI can help us reconnect with what really matters—if we use it as a tool for awareness rather than distraction.

What are your thoughts on how children should be introduced to AI?
I think it’s important to start early, but with guidance. Children are naturally curious, and AI can be a wonderful sandbox for exploration. But they need to understand the boundaries—what’s ethical, what’s safe, and how to use it as a creative partner. It’s not about dumping technology into their laps. It’s about mentoring them in responsible innovation.

What’s one common misconception about AI you’d like to clear up?
That it’s evil or out to destroy humanity. AI is a reflection of us—our inputs, our data, our values. It’s not sentient. It doesn’t have feelings or motives. The danger isn’t the machine—it’s how people choose to use it. If we guide it with integrity, AI can be a powerful force for good.

Before we wrap up, what final thoughts would you like to leave with our readers?
We’ve survived every major technological shift in history—and we’ll get through this one too. It’ll be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic, but we’re resilient. Don’t be reactive. Don’t let fear control your narrative. Be proactive, be curious, and be critical. Take the driver’s seat and let AI be the helpful co-pilot it was meant to be. Baby steps are enough. You don’t need to master everything overnight. Just start. You’re more capable than you think.

How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow me through my podcast where I explore the convergence of politics, tech, and spirituality—often in ways that challenge traditional perspectives. I’m also on social media sharing thoughts, clips, and updates. Just search “Elias Marty.” I’d love to connect with anyone who’s curious, open-minded, and ready to think a little deeper about the world we’re building together.

Elias, this has been such a fascinating and insightful conversation. Your ability to break down complex ideas about AI—while weaving in humor, caution, and deeper thought—really made this dialogue stand out. Thank you for bringing such clarity, curiosity, and heart to this topic.

Thank you so much! I genuinely had a blast. It’s rare to have a conversation where I can speak openly about both the promise and the pitfalls of AI—and do it with someone who gets the bigger picture. I’m already looking forward to our next chat on spirituality. That’s where I really come alive—so brace yourself, it’s going to be a wild ride!