Artificial Intelligence And Its Effect On Jobs

Progress is inevitable, yet it’s also a cause of fear for many. Automation is becoming part of our everyday lives as technology becomes more advanced. Unfortunately, this also means that some jobs are lost and replaced by automation tools and now AI. Just like the industrial revolution saw thousands of hardworking individuals losing their jobs for the sake of progress, people are concerned that the advances in AI will cause even more loss of jobs in the future. Is your job at risk of being replaced by AI and what can you do to avoid it?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at AI and the jobs that could potentially be replaced by artificial intelligence and automation.

We’ll be covering the following topics on AI and the future of jobs:

What is AI?
How many jobs can be replaced by AI?
AI and potential job creation

What Is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulated intelligence demonstrated by machines and other devices. This is not a naturally occurring intelligence like we can see in humans and animals, but it has been created by data scientists using advanced programming skills and machine learning programs. When many think of AI, we think of smart humanoid robots, but even though the technology isn’t quite there yet, we’re already surrounded by AI. Siri, Alexa and other smart assistants are a form of artificial intelligence. Conversation bots, email filters and even Netflix’s recommendations are also forms of AI.

Why Do People Fear For Their Jobs?

During the industrial revolution, automation caused many to lose their jobs. It’s not strange for people to think it will happen again as AI advances. Despite the loss of jobs caused by automation, there were also numerous benefits. Not only does automation lower costs, but it also increases production output. Businesses were also able to improve and create safer worker conditions.

Modern automation tools are already used to complete repetitive tasks and free up employees to focus on other projects. However, using these tools often require using other tools, such as residential proxies from Smartproxy. Proxies are required alongside social media automation tools and certain bots like transactional bots. Even these are being integrated with machine learning and AI, as we can see from the next-gen proxies being discussed. It’s unlikely that anyone or any technology will go untouched by the progress of AI.

How Many Jobs Can Be Replaced By AI?

The reality is that AI could replace many jobs, but before you start panicking, that might not be such a bad thing. The jobs that will be replaced will be simple, repetitive jobs rather than highly skilled and experienced positions. It is estimated that AI could replace approximately 30% of all jobs in the near future. This means dental, and medical practitioners, educators (especially in higher education) or other equally specialized fields should remain safe. The positions that are at the highest risk of being replaced by AI and automation are:

Waiters
Shelf stockers
Elementary sales occupations
Bar staff
Kitchen and catering assistants.

AI And Potential Job Creation

However, before you start feeling hopeless that some robot will be taking over your job, it’s also important to be aware of the new jobs that AI will create. Some of these jobs haven’t been created yet, and will depend on what gaps arise with the use of AI and automation. Artificial intelligence is expected to create 58 million new jobs by this year. However, the top specialist agrees that this will mean upskilling the current workforce to fulfil these new roles. These specialists also agree that AI, robots and automation will bring increased economic benefits that cannot be overlooked. These benefits could contribute up to $15 trillion to the global GDP by 2030.

That’s not all; the World Economic Forum expects to see this number climb to 97 million new jobs created by 2025. They’ve also shared that much of this technology is already surrounding us. For example, a robot called Moxi is already helping hospital staff spend more time with their patients. Similarly, drone pilots are already being trained to deliver medicine in remote areas of Africa.

Final Thoughts

While progress can sometimes be scary, especially when we consider what it could mean for our jobs, there are also benefits that should be considered. These include economic benefits, improvements to personal well-being, health, and exciting new jobs to look forward to. As long as people look towards the future and are keen to grow their skills, knowledge and experience, there will still be jobs for them alongside AI and automation.