The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has the world on its toes as we wait to see: “Will AI take my job?” A recent Bloomberg survey found that almost half of Americans believe that their jobs are easily replaceable by automation. Among the roles under scrutiny are software developers, web developers, analysts, and data scientists – positions where AI displays remarkable prowess in coding and number crunching at an uncanny level of accuracy.
According to insights from University of Waterloo professor Joel Blit, the collaboration between AI and coders is projected to potentially double productivity. While this could imply a reduced demand for programmers, it also raises the intriguing possibility of declining programming costs, potentially triggering an upsurge in demand.
However, the transformative influence of AI extends beyond coding. Industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and long-haul trucking, among others, are also experiencing shifts. Even roles encompassing research, data entry, customer service, and specific insurance jobs are part of this evolving landscape.
While AI will undoubtedly reshape specific roles and industries, occupations that rely on critical thinking, human judgment, and adeptness in social skills will continue to depend on human insights. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 report, delving into the Future of Jobs, underscores the resilience and expansion of employment opportunities across diverse sectors, spanning agriculture, education, manufacturing, and marketing.
AI’s transformative potential is undeniable, already altering many roles and definitely on pace to replace others. Simultaneously, a fresh influx of positions is burgeoning due to the development of AI technologies. For example, roles focused on building, adapting, and managing AI models, like Netflix’s “machine-learning platform” product manager, are popping up everywhere and are a testament to the monetary value these types of roles demand (the salary range for this position was listed $300,000 – 900,000!)
Yet, not all roles attributed to AI’s influence ensure high pay. Consider roles like the “AI-powered reporter,” tasked with producing news articles that adhere to ethical and legal standards, while also attaining page view targets. These roles are advertised with more modest salaries, prompting even more contemplation on the relationship between AI and job market dynamics.
Other types of emerging roles grapple with ethical challenges, as they require humans to act like robots to train AI systems that could eventually replace them – for example “test drivers” of self-driving cars. Amid these concerns and possibilities, AI’s trajectory holds potential for uplifting roles that leverage human attributes, which could even potentially become the markers of premium services or offerings in an evolving job landscape.
While concerns about job security are understandable, the impact of AI on the workplace is more complex than it may seem. The future holds a variety of possibilities, and those who adapt to use AI to enhance their current roles have great potential for success in this evolving landscape. Furthermore, organizations are likely to take a careful approach, starting with experimenting with robotic assistance, and only gradually considering full task automation. This cautious approach offers hope for a future where we can continue to work alongside AI technologies rather than worry about them replacing our jobs entirely.
