By Molly Wasonga
I’m obsessed with AI, and I’m going to talk about it, again. So, you’re probably sitting there wondering if robots and AI are going to steal all our jobs, leaving us to reminisce about the days when humans were relevant. It’s a hot topic right now, that’s for sure.
But hold your horses! It’s not as doom and gloom as it sounds. We may be entering an era where humans and AI become the ultimate power couple—think Batman and Robin, but with less crime-fighting and more task efficiency.
I recently read from an enterprise tech writer and Forbes contributor, Bernard Marr, about the potential impact of AI on the job market, examining whether concerns about AI-driven job displacement are grounded in reality or merely hype.
This topic has become a source of growing concern, especially among recent graduates and students in higher education institutions. Many are anxious about the future of their careers, fearing that the skills they are currently acquiring may become redundant due to the rapid rise of AI and automation. The future, it seems, is fraught with uncertainty. However, there is a need to clarify misconceptions and provide a more balanced perspective on the matter.
To begin with, it is important to acknowledge that AI is no longer a hypothetical technology of the distant future, it is already here, and its presence is only expanding. The pertinent question is not whether we will use AI, but rather how we will use it. While AI undoubtedly has the capacity to automate a wide range of repetitive and mundane tasks, this development should not be viewed solely as a threat. Yes, it could potentially displace jobs that involve routine tasks, but it also presents an opportunity for businesses to optimize operations and reduce costs.
In fact, according to Bernard Marr’s article, AI is projected to contribute an additional $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, signaling a profound shift towards AI integration across industries. This underscores the need for individuals to focus on how they can harness the potential of AI, rather than fearing its rise. Are we approaching a future in which robots and advanced software will take over all the mundane, labor-intensive jobs, allowing us to live lives of leisure? In some cases, the answer is yes. Some jobs will be automated.
However, it is equally important to highlight that the adoption of AI and automation will also create new opportunities. The World Economic Forum, for instance, has predicted that while 85 million jobs may be displaced, 97 million new jobs will be created as a result of this technological revolution. These figures suggest that while certain roles may evolve or disappear, new ones will emerge, many of which will require a more sophisticated interplay between human and machines.
The types of jobs most at risk are those that involve simple, routine tasks, such as data entry or basic customer service inquiries, which can be easily automated. McKinsey estimates that up to 45 percent of current work activities could be automated in this way. However, for more complex tasks, AI will play a supportive role, augmenting rather than replacing human skills. For instance, healthcare professionals may use AI to analyze medical images and data, and legal professionals could employ AI to summarize documents and identify key information more efficiently.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for students and future professionals to embrace AI as a tool that can enhance their work rather than replace them. Developing an understanding of how to work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities to improve productivity and innovation, will be essential in the evolving job market.