Artificial intelligence, or AI, as the abbreviation suggests, is slowly entering our day-to-day discussions. For those of you who are not familiar with this term, AI is the study of computer science whose aim is to design machines that are able to mimic human intelligence.
The 21st century has witnessed a widespread integration of AI into operational frameworks, prompting concerns about its impact on employment.
Will AI mark the decline of human labor?
The answer is nuanced. AI-driven automation has undeniably streamlined tasks that once demanded extensive human effort, reducing completion times from days to mere hours. Consequently, the role of human workers in executing these tasks is increasingly questioned as AI gains traction in workplaces.
Up to 30% of the global labor force is predicted to be replaced by automation and artificial intelligence by 2030, potentially wiping out 400–800 million jobs. As a result of this shift, up to 375 million people may move to entirely new job categories. While around 58 million jobs were predicted to be created by AI by 2022, it is anticipated that the technology will also remove about 75 million occupations in the same time frame.
This disparity between job creation and elimination underscores AI’s efficiency and its associated costs. While automation simplifies processes in specific sectors like manufacturing, AI possesses a broader applicability across various industries such as medicine, law, and journalism.
In light of these developments, which jobs are likely to disappear and which ones will emerge?
Middle-skill jobs requiring moderate training both blue-collar and white-collar are most vulnerable. Conversely, high-skill roles demanding advanced education in fields like programming, robotics, and engineering are expected to proliferate as AI and automation evolve.
Can displaced workers transition into these high-skill roles?
Yes, but not without substantial retraining and education. Conversely, opportunities in low-skill jobs are unlikely to expand significantly as AI adoption progresses.
Conclusion
In the next ten years, there is no definite time, but it is clear that the use of AI will lead to significant changes in the working environment all over the globe.
