AI and the Workforce
As technological advancements continue to evolve, the implications for the job market can be transformative. According to a study by Pew Research Center, approximately 20% of American workers have a job with “high exposure” to artificial intelligence (AI). Workers with the most exposure to AI, such as ChatGPT, tend to be women, white or Asian, higher earners, and have a college degree. The impact of AI on these jobs, however, whether enhancing or displacing, remains uncertain.
The Influence of AI on Job Functions
AI is built to mimic a human’s cognitive ability, letting computers and machines perform tasks independently. This technology differs significantly from robots, which primarily perform physical tasks like lifting or moving objects. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various job functions, it’s important to consider what the potential implications might be.
In the Pew study, 19% of U.S. workers were found to be in jobs with high exposure to AI. This group includes roles such as budget analysts, data entry keyers, tax preparers, technical writers, and web developers. Their jobs often require more analytical skills and AI may replace or assist these important functions.
The Future of Work and AI
While there’s potential for some job displacement due to AI, this technology could also open up new occupations we don’t yet know about, according to Cory Stahle, an economist at Indeed. Meanwhile, 23% of American workers have low exposure to AI, including barbers, dishwashers, firefighters, pipelayers, nannies, and other child care workers. These jobs typically involve general physical activities that AI cannot easily replicate.
The Economic Impact of AI
Historically, fear of technology and its potential to destroy jobs has been prevalent. However, often, automation creates as many jobs as it destroys. In advanced economies like the U.S., new technologies have a negative short-term impact on net jobs, but the impact becomes positive after four years.
Nonetheless, some workers lose out, especially those who are replaced by machines. According to Harry Holzer, a professor at Georgetown University, the future of automation, including AI, could potentially displace millions of workers, necessitating new challenges like retraining or reskilling.
The Rising Demand for AI Skills
Indeed data reveals a significant uptick in the number of employers seeking workers with AI-related skills. About 20 job listings per million sought some type of AI skill in July 2018, which increased to 328 jobs per million as of July 2023. This growth indicates a rising need for workers who can build and use AI tools, paving the way for a future where AI will likely become an integral part of various roles from marketing to customer service and real estate.
As AI continues to permeate different sectors, it’s clear that it holds the potential to significantly reshape the job landscape. While it’s unclear whether AI will ultimately be a slow-moving force or a tsunami, its impact on the job market is undeniable and something that workers, employers, and policymakers need to consider.
Related Articles
