Since the advent of the industrial revolution, there has been a constant fear that new machines, ranging from mechanized looms to microchips, would replace human jobs. Historically, humans have managed to retain their positions against these threats. However, according to some experts, with the rise of AI on the horizon, this threat is becoming a reality: robots are genuinely encroaching on certain jobs.
A report released in March 2023 by Goldman Sachs estimated that AI capable of generating content could replace a quarter of all human labor. The report also highlighted that across the European Union and the United States, automation could lead to the loss of 300 million jobs. Martin Ford, the author of “Rule of the Robots: How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Everything,” warns that this could have severe consequences.
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“It’s not just the impact on individuals; it could have systemic repercussions,” he explains. “Many people could be affected, potentially all at once and quite suddenly. This not only affects individuals but also the entire economy.”
Fortunately, it’s not entirely bleak. Experts provide a glimmer of hope with a caveat: there are still tasks that AI cannot perform. These tasks require distinctly human qualities such as emotional intelligence and thinking outside the box. Transitioning to roles that emphasize these skills could reduce the risk of being replaced by AI.
Not all jobs considered “creative” are necessarily safe from automation. For instance, roles related to graphic design and visual arts may be among the first to be affected. Basic algorithms can enable bots to analyze millions of images, allowing AI to instantly master aesthetics. However, there is some security in other forms of creativity, according to Ford. He believes that fields like science, medicine, and law, where individuals are responsible for devising new strategies, will continue to have a place for human involvement.
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Ford identifies two other categories of jobs that are relatively insulated from automation. The first category consists of jobs that require sophisticated interpersonal relationships. Nurses, business consultants, and investigative journalists fall into this category, as they need a deep understanding of people. Building meaningful relationships in the way humans do is a skill that AI will take a long time to replicate.
The second safe zone comprises jobs that demand high mobility, dexterity, and problem-solving ability in unpredictable environments. Various trade jobs such as electricians, plumbers, and welders fall into this category. These jobs involve constantly encountering new situations, making them extremely challenging to automate. Automating such jobs would require advanced robots seen in science fiction, like Star Wars’ C-3PO.
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While humans are likely to remain in jobs falling within these categories, it doesn’t mean these professions are entirely immune to the rise of AI. Joanne Song McLaughlin, an associate professor of labor economics at the University of Buffalo, emphasizes that most jobs, regardless of industry, have aspects that are prone to automation.
“In many cases, there isn’t an immediate threat to jobs,” she explains, “but tasks within jobs will change.” Human roles will increasingly focus on interpersonal skills. McLaughlin envisions a future where AI can detect cancers more effectively than humans, and doctors would incorporate this new technology. However, she believes that the doctor’s entire role won’t be replaced by AI.
Even if a robot may be better at detecting cancer, Joanne Song McLaughlin emphasizes that most people would still prefer to hear the news from a real doctor—a human being. This applies to almost all jobs, and thus developing distinctly human skills can help individuals work alongside AI.
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“It’s wise to consider which tasks within your job may be replaced or performed better by computers or AI, and what your complementary skill is,” she advises. She cites the example of bank tellers, who were once primarily responsible for accurate money counting. With automation taking over that task, tellers now focus more on connecting with customers and introducing new products. The importance of social skills has increased in their role.
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Martin Ford points out that advanced education or a high-paying position does not act as a defense against AI takeover. He explains that while we may perceive white-collar workers as higher up the job hierarchy compared to someone who drives for a living, the reality is that the future of white-collar employees is more threatened. Self-driving cars are not yet prevalent, but AI is already capable of writing reports. In many cases, workers with higher education levels will face greater threats than those with lower education levels. Ford highlights the difficulty of automating jobs like hotel room cleaning, emphasizing that it remains challenging for AI to replace such roles.
In conclusion, seeking roles in dynamic and evolving environments that involve unpredictable tasks is a good strategy to mitigate job loss to AI, at least for the time being.
