by As the reach of Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows, some fear that hyper-automation could lead to widespread job losses. However, experts argue that AI disrupts the workforce rather than destroys it, and that AI will never completely replace humans, as it can’t adopt key attributes such as common sense, creativity, and ability. strategize and communicate effectively.
In a survey conducted by news platform The Conversation, 90% of 1,321 respondents said they would prefer to speak with a live customer service agent. Another survey conducted by the marketing firm Forrester showed that 54% of online consumers believe that interacting with a chatbot will have a negative impact on their quality of life.
Anyone who has experienced ineffective phone customer service using a chatbot will appreciate this sentiment, but can AI work for the betterment of humans in other areas? Many believe so.
AI can perform mundane tasks
Ashraf Elnagar, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Sharjah University in the United Arab Emirates, argues that AI can only perform some of the tasks performed by humans, so AI should be seen as assisting rather than replacing technology. labor force.
Speaking at Dubai’s Seamless 2022 exhibition for the fintech, banking, retail, e-commerce and identity industries, he said: “There is a misconception that AI will replace humans, but AI can be seen as an empowering tool. for those people who are using that.”
Naren Vijay, executive vice president of business intelligence platform Lumenore, agrees. He said: “Humans are not replaceable. The sense that humans can bring, especially common sense, is very difficult for machines to achieve.”
“If you know how to adopt AI, you can do your job better,” added Vijay. “Your efficiency can be improved. It’s not a threat to your job at all.”
AI can create jobs
Elnagar also points out that the AI industry will create jobs. “AI itself requires a new market of people to run these systems, maintain them and fix them,” he said.
Additionally, companies that invest in technology often employ more staff as a result of business growth.
While tech-enabled businesses can grow faster than their traditional counterparts and maintain or even increase the number of employees, recorded job losses are generally on a net figure, meaning a business may have laid off or replaced to those who cannot work with new technology while hiring new staff. that can.
This is the essence of workforce disruption vs. workforce destruction, and it is not a new phenomenon. Historically, roles within the workforce have continually changed. According to research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 60% of the jobs available today did not exist a generation ago.
Technical upgrading is taking place in all industries to upgrade the workforce. If they offer it to you, accept it, if not, look for it, advise the experts. Discovering how technology can make us better at our roles could be the key to preparing them for the future.
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