In our rapidly advancing digital era, a revolutionary technological force is redefining the way we live, work, and interact: Artificial Intelligence (AI). From self-driving cars to personalized product recommendations, AI is progressively intertwining itself into our everyday lives. The question remains: should we fear AI, or should we embrace it?
For some, the growth of AI generates apprehension. The fear that machines might replace us in the job market is a concern that weighs heavily on the minds of many. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, about 25% of U.S. employment (36 million jobs) will face high exposure to automation in the coming decades1. The World Economic Forum also predicts that by 2025, machines will perform more current work tasks than humans2.
While these figures might cause alarm, it's essential to view this transformation in the right perspective. Automation and AI aren't necessarily about replacing human workers but about automating tasks. Many jobs involve a mixture of tasks, some of which are ripe for automation, while others require human ingenuity, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Take the role of a bank teller, for example. In the past, they were primarily involved in routine tasks such as cash handling and basic customer transactions. With the advent of ATM machines and online banking, these tasks have largely been automated. However, tellers haven't disappeared; instead, their roles have evolved. They're now more involved in customer service, solving complex problems, and offering financial advice.
Similarly, in healthcare, AI systems can analyze radiology images with precision and speed beyond human capabilities. Does this mean radiologists will soon be out of work? On the contrary, the technology frees up time for doctors to focus on patient care and complex diagnoses, improving healthcare outcomes3.
Indeed, some jobs may become obsolete, but AI and automation will also create new roles that we can't even envision yet. According to Gartner, AI is expected to be a net job creator, producing 2.3 million jobs by 2022, while eliminating 1.8 million4.
As we sail forth into this brave new world, the key to navigating the AI revolution is adaptation and lifelong learning. Rather than resisting these technological changes, we must learn to embrace them. By gaining knowledge about AI and related technologies, individuals and organizations can identify new opportunities, stay competitive, and secure their places in the future job market. I personally have been observing more and more people using Ai to assist in their day to day jobs at the workplace. That doesn't mean their jobs will be replaced, but it allows them to get more things done efficiently.
It's also crucial for educational institutions, governments, and companies to play their part. They should provide resources and avenues for continuous learning, helping current and future workers upskill and reskill. By doing so, we can ensure a smooth transition into an AI-driven world, minimizing displacement and maximizing opportunities.
In conclusion, the rise of AI isn't a dystopian narrative of humans versus machines, but a call for us to adapt, grow, and harness the potential of this transformative technology. As the famous saying goes, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." Let's prepare ourselves to embrace AI, ensuring a promising, prosperous future for all.
Fotnots
https://www.brookings.edu/research/automation-and-artificial-intelligence-how-machines-affect-people-and-places/ ↩
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/09/future-of-jobs-2018-things-to-know/ ↩
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/ai-can-help-radiologists-improve-patient-care ↩
https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2017-12-13-gartner-says-by-2020-artificial-intelligence-will-create-more-jobs-than-it-eliminates ↩