Internet - Why Teachers Will Never Be as Revered Again

I've been reflecting on how, especially growing up in Indian culture, teachers have always held a place of deep importance. There's a well-known story that captures this sentiment: A devotee, upon meeting God, asks, 

"Whose feet should I touch first, yours or my teacher’s?" God replies, "Your teacher's, for it is he who showed you the path to me."

Teachers, or gurus, earned respect because they dedicated their lives to acquiring knowledge and sharing it with their students. 

But with the rise of the internet, things have shifted. The rapid advancement of technology has reduced our reliance on teachers for information. The physical presence of a teacher is no longer necessary, and digital platforms now allow us to switch between teachers with ease.

And with AI, this dynamic is set to change even further. AI is on track to become our new teacher. While this prospect is both exciting and a bit unsettling, it raises questions about the future of teaching as we know it.

Take, for example, someone aspiring to become a great cricketer. Traditionally, they’d have to work incredibly hard—or/ and be exceptionally wealthy—to earn the trust and attention of a coach willing to train them. But AI could revolutionize this. 

AI will be able to teach and coach better than humans ever could.

Where does this leave human teachers? 

Now, even God might be unsure whose feet should be touched first—AI's or the teacher's.