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AI vs Human Labour

AI had been one of the greatest revolutions in human history, due to how they can assist you and they can even chat with you these days. In the contemporary, amazing landscape, the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and human labour has become a focal point of discussion, encapsulating both optimism and apprehension. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the rise of AI is expected to create 12 million more jobs by 2025, but it also raises concerns about the potential displacement of existing jobs. The delicate balance between the efficiency of AI and the uniquely human qualities, such as creativity and emotional intelligence, remains a critical aspect of this debate. The advent of the AI revolution brings forth a plethora of advantages, significantly impacting efficiency, innovation, and economic growth. Someone named: Kai-Fu Lee, a leading AI expert, emphasises the positive potential, stating, "I believe AI and its integration into traditional industries will create the greatest wealth ever." The ability of AI to process vas amounts of data swiftly enables businesses to make more informed decisions, optimise operations, and create new avenues for growth.


While AI has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in automating routine and repetitive tasks, humans possess an unparalleled skill for complex problem solving and creativity. Erik Brynjolfson, a professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, highlights this when he states, "Machines are good at optimising, but they are not good at goal-setting or figuring out what to do in the first place." This underscores the idea that AI can enhance human productivity, but it may struggle to replicate the multifaceted decision-making processes that humans excel at.Statistics underscore the growing influence of AI in the labour market. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, by 2030, up to 800 million jobs globallo could be automated. This statistic evokes both the potential for increased efficiency and the looming spectre of job displacement. The challenge lies in ensuring that the integration of AI into the workforce is a symbiotic relationship, where technology augments human capabilities rather than replaces them. 


The Ai revolution fosters innovation by automating routine tasks and allowing human workers to focus on higher-order thinking and creative endeavours. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., highlights this transformative aspect, noting, "AI is probably the most important thing humanity has ever worked on. I think of it as something more profound than electricity or fire." The positive impact on healthcare is particularly noteworthy, with AI contributing faster and more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatment plans, and drug discovery. However, for the AI revolution comes asking AI to do many things that you could have achieved yourself, without asking for help. In one test, for instance, researchers asked the different assistants more than 4,000 questions. Google Assistant came out on top with the most correct answers. This is a lazy act that many people will give in to, when they have a capable and smart AI in their hands. This will make them realise that the AI routine tasks and AI store workers and helpers would help them take care of everything..


As a matter of fact, the AI revolution is not without its drawbacks, and concerns loom over potential job displacement and ethical implications. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025 or 2026, AI and automation could displace 85 million jobs globally, exacerbating unemployment challenges. As Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, points out, "Automation is the new normal, and it's going to get more intense." The fear of job displacement is particularly pronounced in industries that heavily rely on routine and repetitive tasks. Ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as bias in algorithms and the potential for loss of privacy, also raise concerns. The Cambridge Analytica scandal serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the misuse of AI in data analytics. Sundar Pichai acknowledges the ethical dimension, stating, "We want to be thoughtful about it (AI), we want to be clear-eyed about it. There will be societal impacts. We want to work through them." Striking a balance between reaping the benefits of AI innovation and addressing its potential negative consequences remains a critical challenge in navigating the AI revolution. 


In my opinion, the proponents of AI argue that it can lead to the creation of new jobs and industries, causing a lack of human workers. As Andrew Ng, a prominent AI researcher, puts it, "Just as electricity transformed almost everything 100 years ago, today I actually have a hard time thinking of an industry that I don't think AI will transform in the next several years." This perspective emphasises the transformative potential of AI, shaping industries in ways that may not be immediately apparent. Despite these positive predictions, concerns persist regarding the potential for AI to exacerbate income inequality. A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggests that AI technologies may disproportionately impact low-skilled jobs, potentially widening the gap between high- and low-income workers. Navigating this terrain requires a concerted effort to upskill the workforce and ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably.


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