I think AI is useful as a tool in some situations. I use it sometimes as a kind of "google that for me" short cut to save time looking up things I already know. But I don't trust it for things outside my knowledge as I can't be sure if it's correct. I think op biggest issue here is when they start chatting with it normally. AI as a replacement for real human connection is a terrible thing.
One thing I do like using AI for is basically mindless busiwork. Like "I've a list of 1,000 unsorted 12 digit numbers, please count them all, tell me how many repeats, and arrange them in ascending order."
But even then I'm better off programming something if it is more than a one off. Because I still need to check the AI and make sure it's correct.
Only saves a marginal amount of time in certain circumstances.
I really don't like how people just trust what it spits out though without thinking. Eventually someone is gonna do something really stupid with it that causes major issues, like AI powered ATC that ends up crashing planes together. Or something equally grim.
Really I think the tech is interesting and has some really potentially useful applications but right now everyone seems to think it's a magic bullet that solves everything and I don't think really understand the limitations or realities of implementing it to be anything useful.
Personally in my own life I've barely any use for it. Certainly none I'd be willing to pay for. I don't understand how it will be monetized. I basically still treat it like a novelty myself.
I don't much worry about my job getting replaced with AI. It well might but, then I'll just do something else for awhile until they need a specialist who actually understands what is going on without AI (and will charge whatever I want).