Each day AI is becoming more advanced and with these advancements comes the worry. Many people are worried about their job security. This concern comes from discussions about AI’s potential to replace human roles. For instance, CEO of Open AI, Sam Altman mentioned in May that AI could take jobs. In June, Mira Murati, Chief Technology officer of Open AI said that AI could eliminate creative jobs that she believed shouldn’t exist.
The reality is that AI’s capability to replace jobs isn’t limited to creative or secretarial roles. It’s expected to improve continuously and could eventually take over all types of employment. The key issue is how AI will be utilized?
Historically, technology and new concepts often don’t serve their original intended purpose. Take the 401k plan, for example. It was designed to supplement pensions and Social Security, helping people manage the rising cost of living as they age. However, companies shifted to using 401k plans as a replacement for pensions.
Another example is social media, which was intended to connect people. Despite warnings from therapists and psychologists about its negative impacts, its growth continued unchecked. Now, it’s evident that social media affects both children and adults’ mental health. It has become so ingrained in our society that being without a social media account, like LinkedIn, can be disadvantageous for employment and in some parts of the world like Japan landlords will look ask to review your social media account as part of the rental process. What was once optional has become a necessity.
These examples, including the misuse of pensions, social media, and the lack of data privacy on the internet, demonstrate how technology can stray significantly from its original purpose. With AI, if it leads to job elimination, we must consider the broader societal implications. What will those displaced from their jobs do?