DR. WALLACE: I'm a senior in high school and already have my college selected and career path organized. I feel really good about the decisions I've made and the hard work that has provided me with these opportunities.

But something still worries me. I've heard so much about artificial intelligence in the news and even in our classroom discussions. I'm concerned that by the time I enter the workplace in the next five years, fewer jobs will be available. This could put me in the position of having to compete for a dwindling number of employment opportunities.

What do you think about this issue as it relates to today's high school seniors? — Concerned About the Future, via email

CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE: Indeed, your basic premises are on point and a valid topic of discussion. Artificial intelligence is still in its early stages, but it is obvious that many menial tasks will gradually phase out in the workplace. However, at certain tasks, phase out other opportunities, usually open up. Products that were manufactured five decades ago are obsolete today, and everyone who worked in those industries eventually found other opportunities.

I seek to absorb as much information as I can, from as many sources as possible, regarding this dynamic topic of artificial intelligence (AI). To this point, I've been made aware of three key areas where artificial intelligence will remain inferior to the human mind.

The first is creativity. Imagination and creativity are far better developed in the human mind than anything. AI is presently doing or is foreseen to be able to do in the future.

Second is communication. Yes, AI can write reports, press releases, newspaper articles, and so forth. But human communication, using the combination of the mind and voice, is far superior to anything AI is projected to develop.

Third is empathy. Human beings can empathize with others and truly understand human emotions. Empathy also overlaps with the human presence, which is often warm, heartfelt, and creates a tremendous bond for someone in need. AI is not able to compete with human empathy at this point, and is unlikely to ever achieve what the human mind, heart, and soul bring to the table.

Think about these three areas in context with your future career path and carefully monitor the developments in both artificial intelligence and the workplace in your chosen field, and gradually, I feel you'll find many excellent opportunities to pursue when your time comes to enter the workplace.

MY MOM SAYS I NEED TO SLEEP MORE

DR. WALLACE: I just had my 14th birthday, and I had a fun day and a good celebration. But later that night, my mother told me that now that I'm a teenager and have many busy years in front of me. I really need to start working on sleeping longer!

I mentioned this to my friends at school, and they all laughed and said we can operate on less sleep because we are young and strong. Do you think my mother is just trying to make sure I'm not getting into mischief by staying up so late at night? — Mom Might Be Pulling a Fast One, via email

MOM MAY BE PULLING A FAST ONE: Actually, you may find it surprising that your mother has a valid point regarding your sleep. I can't speak to any other motivations, but on the point of sleep, she's correct.

Typically, active teenagers require nine or ten hours of sleep per night. The reason for this is that their bodies are going through rapid growth spurts, and sleep cannot be stored by the human body in the same manner that food can. The human body can accumulate fat, but it cannot accumulate rest or sleep for later use.

Get your rest, your body will thank you for a lifetime.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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