AI - GOOD NEWS FOR SKILLED WORKERS
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly changed the way we work, live and communicate. Thanks to AI we can automate many mundane and repetitive tasks that were once exclusively done by humans. This development has led to the creation of new types of jobs and has also made some professions obsolete. Today, we are in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, which is very different from previous ones. Let's take a closer look.
THE CHANGING PICTURE OF THE LABOUR MARKET
The idea of artificial intelligence has been discussed and developed in the research centres of major artificial intelligence companies. However, it was never so obvious to the average person until ChatGPT became a reality. It sparked an intense discussion around the relevance of certain professions. Suddenly, professions such as software engineers, data analysts, journalists, financial analysts and accountants are seen to be at risk. Surprisingly, the relative importance of blue- and white-collar jobs has changed due to the potential automation of many of these positions. Data analysts, for example, who were previously in high demand for their ability to decipher complex data and provide insights, are now in danger of being replaced by artificial intelligence algorithms because they can do the same work faster, more accurately and with less human error. Similarly, artificial intelligence techniques have the potential to automate jobs such as software engineers, graphic designers and copywriters.
SUDDENLY, PROFESSIONS SUCH AS SOFTWARE ENGINEERS, DATA ANALYSTS, JOURNALISTS, FINANCIAL ANALYSTS AND ACCOUNTANTS ARE CONSIDERED AT RISK.
At the same time, blue collar occupations are gaining in importance. According to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania in March 2023, tasks that require a high degree of human interaction, precise measurements, critical thinking skills, any manual dexterity or walking are hard for AI to replicate. Although GPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) is capable of automating some aspects of manual work, they will still require human labour in the near future.
JOB SATISFACTION
According to a survey by health insurance company IKK Classic, 92% of tradespeople "completely" or "mostly" agree that their work is meaningful, while 80% say their work brings them happiness. Blue-collar workers are often proud of their work and can see tangible results from their work. In contrast, white-collar jobs may involve tasks that lack tangibility, leading to less immediate satisfaction. Finally, AI can automate routine and repetitive tasks that are often perceived as tedious and time-consuming, allowing employees to focus on more creative and rewarding work. This can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
THE JOB KILLER
The argument that AI kills jobs is undermined by citing the example of the Luddite protests against sound film in 1930 in Focus magazine. The article explains that while industrialisation is changing the labour market, it is not necessarily harmful to it. The sound film revolution has created new jobs, such as foley artists and sound effects recording, rather than destroying them. This proven pattern suggests that AI will not destroy millions of jobs, but rather change them, creating new needs and jobs.
THE SOUND FILM REVOLUTION HAS CREATED NEW JOBS, SUCH AS FOLEY ARTISTS AND SOUND EFFECTS RECORDING, RATHER THAN DESTROYING THEM.
Research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology predicts that productivity in cognitive knowledge work will increase by up to 35% with ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence technologies, while improving job satisfaction and quality. In fact, AI is more likely to become a job-creating machine than a job-destroying one, because it takes a significant number of people to design, train, maintain, further develop and sell AI. This has been the case with all technological innovation.
Source: Eloundou, T., Manning, S., Mishkin, P. and Rock, D. (2023, March 20) GPTs are GPTs: A first look at the potential labor market impact of large language models.
Source: Haiko von der Graht. (2023, March 28.) Warum Künstliche Intelligenz eine Jobmaschine statt Jobkiller sein wird. focus.
