Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I am hearing lots about artificial intelligence. I would be lying if I didn’t say it frightens me. Will I lose my job to a computer?

Scared

Dear Scared, Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI). For sure, it is a real thing. More and more AI is coming out on a daily basis.

I don’t think you will lose your job to a computer, but there are many things to pay attention to. Jobs will definitely change. Some jobs that are repetitive and routine and can be automated, can and will be designated to artificial intelligence. This could potentially lead to certain jobs being lost. This automation will reduce the need for human labor in that specific area. The upside to this is new jobs will be created.

Your protection against this lies in your own hands. This is where you get creative. It’s time to learn new skills. There are so many skills that a computer just can’t do. Improve your communication skills. Increase your emotional intelligence. At this point, I don’t know any computers that give you the complete human touch.

Artificial Intelligence will lead to job displacement. This has happened all through history. When new technology is discovered, things change. Do you think we are doing things the same way we have always done them? If you are doing things the same as you always did and someone is paying you for that, I would be surprised. Things change; these days things change quickly. This is not a bad thing. Getting comfortable with change could end up being your superpower.

AI has the potential to foster economic growth and create new industries. As AI technology advances, it opens up possibilities for innovation, product development, and the creation of entirely new job sectors. The adoption of AI can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, enabling businesses to expand and generate new employment opportunities.

AI systems are not designed to completely replace human workers. They are meant to augment human capabilities and work in collaboration with humans. AI can assist professionals in decision-making processes, analyze vast amounts of data, and provide valuable insights that can enhance their work. This synergy between humans and AI can lead to more efficient and effective outcomes, driving economic growth and job creation.

AI technology requires human intervention for its development, deployment, and maintenance. This leads to the demand for AI specialists, data scientists, engineers, and technicians, creating a new job market centered around AI-related roles. There is also a growing need for individuals who can understand and manage ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and potential biases associated with AI systems.

Bottom line, AI will definitely change the way most of us work. There will be specific sectors that will change completely, if not disappear. Think about it, I don’t know of any factories out there building 8-track tape players. If you don’t know what an 8-track tape player is, google it. History has shown us that AI does create new jobs, transform existing jobs, and can stimulate economic growth. Those are all good things.

To enhance your job protection, learn new ways of interacting with AI. There will always be the need for collaboration between humans and AI. Learn those skills and make yourself invaluable.

There will always be people and jobs that don’t progress with the times. If this is what you want, look for someone still listening to their music on an 8-track tape player. They are out there.

Love, Aunt B

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