What Is Artificial Intelligence and How Does It Work?
By definition, artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of a computer or machinery to perform tasks commonly associated with human intelligence. In short, AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. As AI has gradually become integrated into our daily lives it has become smarter with each and every technology that adopts it. Developments in digitalization, big data, computational power and machine learning mean that computers using AI can perform an increasing range of tasks previously thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. This kind of advancements in AI have encouraged people to become fearful for the safety and future of their job. As technology becomes more advanced, beginning to imitate human behaviour and critical thinking, the worry of job displacement becomes more real.
The future of AI is unpredictable, no one knows what it will bring for industries and businesses worldwide, but we do know for sure that any further advancements in AI will drastically change our future.
“ AI is going to change the world more than anything in the history of mankind. More than electricity.”— AI oracle and venture capitalist Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, 2018
However, will AI actually replace humans and take our jobs away?
In its recent Future of Jobs Report, the World Economic Forum estimated that AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025. The same report, however, concluded that 97 million new jobs would be created in the same timeframe due to AI.
The answer to that question seems to be divided:
Apparently, artificial intelligence will definitely displace a significant number of professions. There is a number of reasons for that. Artificial intelligence helps to eradicate human error. It doesn’t get bored, so that it can do all the repetitive tasks efficiently. Moreover, AI is cheaper in a long term.
Examples of the jobs that will probably be taken away in the nearest future:
- accountants
- couriers/delivery people
- retail services
- marketing research analysis
- translating
- taxi driving
However, on the other hand, some industries will always need humans. From some empathetic fields to creative, writing, political, teaching or strategic jobs. What is going to happen eventually in these cases is that artificial intelligence will definitely become an indispensable tool which will be used by different professions in order to do a better job.
- teachers
- medical professionals
- lawyers
- writers
- therapists
What’s more, artificial intelligence will create a huge number of new jobs that we do not yet know about. This means that every accountant, taxi driver or clerk who have lost their job due to the implementing of artificial intelligence in their field of activity will eventually be able to find a new job for themselves.
Nevertheless, this issue must also be considered from a psychological point of view, since the very fact of creating new professions and the possibility of retraining specialists in no way solve the problem of people’s lack of learning skills, which, without proper training, disappear by the age of 30. With a high degree of probability, specialists whose work will be replaced by AI will not be able to find a place for themselves in the changed world, since they have not studied anything for a long time and simply cannot physically do it. The solution to this issue must be taken to the government level, where it is necessary to find an opportunity to support people in the transition period and prevent the constant occurrence of psychological problems due to “loss of purpose in life” and “lack of benefit to society”. There is no simple solution to this problem, and it definitely lies not only in the technological plane, but also in the field of psychology, finance and labor market provision.
References:
https://www.beyond.agency/blog/will-ai-take-my-job
https://www.tidio.com/blog/ai-trends/
https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-replacing-jobs-creating-jobs
I agree with this article. In my opinion there will be lots of job losses, but also new job opportunities. Many private companies will lower their costs by firing employees, and buying robotized machinery/AI that will be way cheaper and more efficient. However, there will be plenty of professions in which AI will greatly help human, such for example construction workers will may get new exoskeleton that will help them lift heavy items, and will improve the person’s work output. However I’m sure that many people like managers, accountants and other similar profession will be extinct because of AI. People who study now, have to think about the future, as it is coming very rapidly. Great blog article! Thanks 🙂
I believe that it is inevitable that many jobs will disappear. It really depends on what kind of job you have and the nature of the work. There are some tasks that can be easily automated, such as repetitive factory jobs or data entry.
On the other hand, there are complex tasks which require a human touch, such as creative problem-solving and providing professional care for someone.
I’m not sure about the art activity such as singing for example, AI might not be as pleasant to listen as a human voice. Emotions that people deliver thru singing in my opinion is not possible for AI to comprehend and repeat.