Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a machine to perform certain human functions, such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity. AI enables the resolution of some technical issues that humans cannot solve or do not know how to solve more straightforwardly. It offers state-of-the-art solutions, is continuously evolving, and adapts to requirements.
Why did artificial intelligence emerge?
The desire of humans for continuous development and the creation of intelligent machines led to the emergence of artificial intelligence. An observation in Tesler’s theorem states that “AI is what has not yet been done.” Modern capabilities of machines classified generally as AI include:
- Understanding human speech
- Competing at the highest level in strategic games
- Autonomous vehicles
- Intelligent routing in content distribution networks
- Military simulations
Thanks to AI, people can benefit from more advanced medical services, better automobiles and transportation systems, and cheaper and higher-quality products and services. AI facilitates access to information, education, and training. Regarding the need for artificial intelligence, the answer is yes. It dramatically helps people and contributes to their development in many ways.
Is Artificial Intelligence a Danger to the Job Market?
With the emergence of artificial intelligence solutions, discussions about their impact on society and the future of the job market have multiplied. It is demonstrated that, although presenting many advantages and opportunities, AI also poses a danger to humanity by drastically reducing jobs. AI can also lead to distortion of competition, as actors who possess information could eliminate competitors.
Seth Dobrin, an expert in artificial intelligence with over 20 years of experience in technology and various leadership positions in companies such as IBM, says, “The net result of the Industrial Revolution was an increase in the number of jobs. I believe we will see the same thing regarding the impact of the revolution brought about by artificial intelligence. We will probably see more jobs, but different from those of today. The transition to that moment will be ugly because some people will remain without jobs in this process.”
Decrease in Jobs
It is assumed that artificial intelligence will decrease jobs in professional groups in the near future. At the same time, demand will intensify in 9 out of the 23 sectors of work. The most recent ManpowerGroup-EY-Sanom study on AI in the labour market shows that:
Regarding specific professional categories:
- Industrial and management engineers (+6.8%) and physicists (+4.5%) will be among the most sought-after professionals.
- Directors (+5.9%), composers (+3.2%), development and educational psychologists (+2.4%), and architects (+2.1%) will have more opportunities.
- Planners, landscape architects, and land restoration and conservation specialists (+2.0%) will also be in demand.
Regarding top roles in organizations:
- Opportunities are expected to increase for entrepreneurs and managers in business and personal services (+4.5%).
- Directors and managers in the financial and administrative departments (+3.2%) will also have more chances.
On the other hand, the most recent study shows that:
- A significant decrease is expected for professional inspectors, with a decrease of (-6.4%).
- The situation could be better for remote sellers (-6.3%), telephone switchboard operators (-6.0%), and dealers (-5.8%).
How Should People View the Impact of Artificial Intelligence?
Opinions are divided on AI, especially as the latest version of a chatbot is expected to reach the threshold of “general artificial intelligence.” This means it will be able to understand any idea known to humanity. Is this frightening? Adapting to AI will not be easy, people adapt more slowly to something new and innovative, but it must be embraced. Globally, up to 300 million jobs could be affected. An example of the speed at which artificial intelligence is changing the labour market comes from LinkedIn, the professional networking platform. “The share of job postings in English mentioning Gpt or ChatGpt increased 21 times from November 2022.
Furthermore, from December 2022 to September 2023, discussions related to artificial intelligence on LinkedIn increased by 70% globally.” Artificial intelligence will be more prevalent in people’s professional lives. What has been seen so far is just the beginning of a new era in the labour market and humanity. The future is technology, so everyone who has shied away from technology must adapt to continue working in various fields. More and more AI courses are being made available to people because the demand is increasing, and those who learn this function will benefit from the opportunities brought by leading companies.
Artificial intelligence as a threat to the labour market. Reasons for the emergence of this function and the actual danger it represents to the labour market.
