The Case for Artificial Intelligence Creating Jobs: Why AI is not the end of the human labor market3/21/2017 Alyssa J Freitas
From radio shows, to blogs, to podcasts, to newspapers, to media sites (not including Facebook, of course, but that’s an article for another day), we hear the cry that AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is coming to take over our jobs and eliminate the need for humans. AI refers to technologies including machine learning, cognitive computing, and the use of neural networks, among others. Fears are emerging that as these technologies become more sophisticated and increase in capabilities they will be able to perform tasks better than humans. Therefore, many pessimists reason, pretty soon there won’t be any jobs left for human beings to do and the world as we know it will be turned upside down. While it is true that AI will be able to take over and automate some tasks in the near future (think: administrative duties, research, etc.), we have also seen and realized the potential of machines to execute complex activities, such as autonomous driving and medical diagnosis. These capabilities do reduce the need for human beings to perform (having a greater impact on unskilled labor), causing some to cry out that this is the demise of the human workforce. However, what is missing from this supposition is an understanding of history and the growth of opportunity that will come from AI. First, let us look at history, one of our best teachers. Once upon a time most of the population was employed in agriculture. In the 1800s nearly 80% of the U.S. population was in an agricultural role, compared to only 2% in 2010. Then something started to happen: technology developed enabling us to not only increase our productivity here in the United States, but trading food globally became more feasible. This meant that many agricultural jobs were eliminated and people had the same fear that exists about AI today. What we saw happen, however, was that this increase in productivity provided great benefits for society as a whole. With decreasing food prices, less labor needed for production, and the ability to dedicate more resources to other high value activities, the benefits have clearly outweighed the lost jobs. Additionally, while some jobs are eliminated due to AI, many others will be created. At the recent World Economic Forum IBM’s CEO Ginni Rometty pointed out that what will emerge is the continuing partnering of man and machine. Doctors can get access to information and recommendations in a new, comprehensive way enabling them to treat patients more effectively. Teachers will be able to use cognitive computing to better understand student needs and personalize lessons. Financial institutions will have tools to work with and interpret regulations, freeing up time to instead focus on creating customer value and controlling risk. As we have seen in the past, more wants emerge as our technology improves. There will always be human desires to be fulfilled, thus there will always be jobs to perform. By working with AI and making use of our increased productive time to be innovative and creative, we will continue to realize benefits as we have throughout all of history. Until the day comes when we no longer have any wants and needs, there will be work for humans to get done.
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9/7/2019 02:54:37 am
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