When the internet first arrived in homes during the 1990s and early 2000s, many people didn’t trust it. They said it would ruin communication, make kids lazy, and flood the world with lies. Teachers warned about it. Parents blocked it. Leaders didn’t understand it.

Now, we live online.

We use the internet to learn, work, socialize, shop, and build careers. The very tool people feared has become the backbone of modern life — including here in Vanuatu.

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A Familiar Fear Returns: Artificial Intelligence

Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is facing the same kind of suspicion. People are saying:

• “AI will take away jobs.”
• “It will make people stupid.”
• “You can’t trust anything anymore.”
• “It’s dangerous.”

It’s almost word-for-word what people once said about the internet.

But those who rejected the internet fell behind.
Those who learned it? They created new jobs, started businesses, and changed lives.

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AI Today vs Internet Back Then

Aspect	When Internet Came Out (1990s–2000s)	Now with AI (2020s)
Public Reaction	“It’s dangerous” – people said it would ruin communication, cause addiction, spread lies	“It’s dangerous” – people say AI will take jobs, spread fake news, be uncontrollable
Perception by Elders/Leaders	Many thought kids would waste time online, stop reading books, or become antisocial	Many fear AI will make people lazy, replace human thinking, or become too powerful
Truth Over Time	Internet changed the world — improved education, business, health, and gave voice to the voiceless	AI is starting to do the same — helping with education, research, health, creativity
Actual Risks	Yes, some risks came true: misinformation, cybercrime, screen addiction	Same with AI: deepfakes, bias, dependency — but risks can be managed
Who Benefits	Those who learned how to use it wisely now lead in business, media, and innovation	Those who learn how to use AI well will lead in tomorrow’s jobs and ideas

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The Impact on Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a young country, with a population full of talented creators, entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, and students. But we also face challenges: limited infrastructure, slow services, gaps in education, and small markets.

This is where AI can help.

Here’s how Vanuatu can benefit from AI:

1. Education for All:
AI tools can provide tutoring in Bislama, English, or French — helping students in remote islands learn even without a full-time teacher.

2. Small Business Growth:
Local entrepreneurs can use AI for marketing, logo design, content creation, and even business planning — without paying overseas consultants.

3. Agriculture Support:
Farmers can use AI tools to predict weather patterns, diagnose crop diseases, or find better markets for their produce.

4. Public Services:
AI chatbots can help improve government services by answering citizen questions in real time — even in areas with limited staff.

5. Employment Opportunities:
Our youth can learn AI skills and offer freelance services globally — turning Vanuatu into a digital hub in the Pacific.

6. Language Preservation:
AI can help document and promote our indigenous languages through transcription, translation, and voice tools.

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From Fear to Empowerment

Every technology brings fear before it brings empowerment. Electricity, radio, smartphones — all were once feared.
The internet didn’t destroy our way of life. It expanded it.
AI, when used wisely, will do the same.

The key is learning it now, not later.

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Learn It, Don’t Fear It

The people who feared the internet back then — they were left behind.
The ones who learned how to use it became leaders.

The same is true for AI.

Whether you’re a student in Tanna, a business owner in Port Vila, a farmer in Santo, or a teacher in Pentecost — AI is a tool.
If you are curious, it will reward you.
If you adapt, it will elevate you.
If you ignore it, it may leave you behind.

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To sum up

“Every generation fears the new tool. But the future belongs to those who learn how to use it.”

It happened with the internet. It’s happening again with AI.
And in Vanuatu, we must choose to move forward — or risk being left out of the global conversation again.