The AI debate continues to rage even among experts. Gartner predicts AI technologies will become geometrically progressive from 2022. As more organizations embrace AI-powered technologies, employees continue to question what the future holds for them.
While industry trends show growth in the success potential of AI, training AI models for perfection is a complex game for the enterprise. Another report by Gartnerreveals limitations to exploiting the full value of AI as organizations continue to battle with moving AI pilots into enterprise-wide production.
Without question, AI will be an integral part of our future — but that future isn’t one without humans. Yes, we will increasingly be assisted by AI, but it will not be a replacement. It’s not just what I think; it’s what the data says. Here are five reasons why you should not be afraid. Will AI replace you in your workplace? Perhaps no, perhaps yes. Let’s look to data to guide us.
Tasks that require creativity and critical thinking cannot be handled by AI
A World Economic Forum study found that tasks that involve creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are less likely to be automated by AI. These are the types of tasks that humans excel at and are often the most valued in the workplace. For example, AI is less likely to replace jobs requiring problem-solving, decision making and emotional intelligence. This is because AI systems are based on algorithms and rules that cannot match the flexibility and creativity of human workers.
Human capabilities can only be augmented by AI, not replaced
Instead of replacing human workers, AI can be used to assist them and make their jobs easier. For example, AI can automate tasks for humans to enable them focus on more important tasks, leading to increased productivity, efficiency and improved job satisfaction. AI can also be used to analyze large amounts of data, which can help human workers make better decisions. For example, in healthcare, AI can assist doctors in diagnosing diseases by analyzing medical images, which can lead to more accurate and faster diagnoses.
New jobs will be created, not destroyed
As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, it is likely to create new jobs that did not exist before. For example, the field of AI ethics and the need for people to oversee and manage AI systems is an emerging field. As AI becomes more advanced, there will be a growing need for people to oversee its development and implementation and ensure that it is being used ethically. Additionally, as AI is used to automate certain tasks, there will be a growing need for people to retrain for new types of jobs. According to a report by McKinsey, 375 million workers globally may need to switch occupational categories and learn new skills. The implication is that there may be a significant shift in the job market and workforce due to automation and the increasing use of AI and other technologies. Hence, humans will need to reskill for the work and skills requirements needed to function in the digital and automation economy.
AI is not good at understanding context
AI can be trained to recognize patterns but is not good at understanding context. For example, an AI system might be able to understand that a picture contains a dog, but it might not understand that the dog is a service animal helping a blind person. On the other hand, humans are good at understanding context and can make decisions based on that understanding. Therefore, human workers will still be needed when context is important. For example, in customer service, a human worker is more likely to be able to understand and respond to a customer's needs and concerns, as they can take into account the customer's tone of voice, body language, and overall situation.
AI is not a monolithic entity
AI is not a single technology but rather a collection of technologies that can be used in different ways. It is important to understand that different types of AI have different capabilities and limitations. For example, machine learning is good at pattern recognition, while natural language processing is good at understanding human language. It is important to have a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of various AI technologies in order to effectively utilize them in the workplace. While AI may assist in certain tasks, it is ultimately up to humans to oversee and manage the integration of AI into various processes. Therefore, the idea that AI is "stealing jobs" is not entirely accurate, as the collaboration between AI and human efforts will continue to be necessary for successful outcomes.
Conclusion
While AI is making significant advancements and has the potential to automate certain tasks, it is unlikely to replace human workers completely. Instead, it is more likely to enhance human capabilities and create new job opportunities. AI is not well-suited for tasks that require creativity, critical thinking, and context understanding. It is crucial to understand the limitations of AI, as well as its strengths, to effectively integrate it into various industries and work environments. For those who may be apprehensive about the potential impact of AI on their careers, it is essential to proactively seek out resources and educational opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in areas that augment AI's capabilities, such as creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. On top of that, staying abreast of the latest advancements and trends in AI can serve as an advantageous way to identify potential opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.
