I had a request to do a post about Artificial Intelligence and how it will affect our current and future jobs. For decades there has been speculation on Artificial Intelligence and how robots will replace humans. There is no shortage of what science fiction entertainment predicted life in the future, from the Jetsons, The Matrix, and even Bicentennial man, to name a few. However, even the most sophisticated artificial intelligence lacks human traits and emotions.
Forbes.com has an article that states even the best AI will not replace humans because they cannot make quick decisions and do not understand feelings, including empathy and compassion. Humans have cognitive skills that cannot be replicated, such as problem-solving and critical judgment. AI is still limited to solving one problem and executing one task simultaneously. They are rigid and unable to respond to change or perform thinking outside of their programming.
| Advantages of AI | Disadvantages of AI |
| Reduce Human error | High Costs to build and maintain. One report discussed the amount of electricity needed to power the humanistic robot. |
| Reduce human risk. For example, diffusing a bomb. Heavy lifting – reduces humans hurting themselves. | No creativity or growth. |
| 24/7 availability | No Ethics or emotions. |
| Perform repetitive work. | Slow response. In an emergency, they can’t react quickly. |
| Human Resources with sorting through applicants | Human resources, AI has been rejecting up to 75% of resumes – meaning a human never sees them. |
We all deal with AI to an extent. We have had to interact with AI bots on websites with a Chat option. Many local industries use robots, like manufacturers, food processors, dairies, and the medical sector. Cybersecurity utilizes AI as a crucial tool for identifying and predicting threats. E-commerce is using AI, and we expect them to continue to advance how they utilize this tool.
The White House.gov report on AI and the future of the workforce predict that some jobs will be replaced, and we are seeing AI through social media with new feeds. In addition, experts predict that by 2030 there will be a talent shortfall, specifically in mathematics and engineering. But, according to an MIT task force, Artificial intelligence will continue to drive innovation, leading to growth and more jobs in many sectors.
Artificial intelligence is replacing some of the mundane menial jobs and heavy-lifting jobs with a high risk of human injury, but in reality, AI is creating more jobs. Most humans crave interaction with others, and there is chemistry and commanderies that machines cannot replace.
In the Movie Bicentennial Man, Robbin Williams played the robot, and he said the thing that makes humans unique is our imperfections. Imperfections make us individuals, and that is what makes us unique (Bicentennial Man, 1999). No matter how quirky you think you are, your cognitive skills of creativity, empathy and even your sense of humor cannot be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. The AI is only as intelligent as the person or team that programmed it.
Will Artificial Intelligence replace our jobs? The answer is no; the more technology advances, the more careers it creates.
By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director & CEO, MBA