As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in the technology sector, questions about its impact on jobs and the economy are gaining ground. Large technology companies like Google and Microsoft, major players in the development of AI, are now collaborating to study the potential effects of AI on technology-related employment.
Growing concerns about job displacement
Led by Cisco, this consortium also includes industry giants such as IBM, Intel, SAP and Accenture. Additionally, prominent unions like the AFL-CIO and CWA serve as advisors to the group. With the rise of generative AI technologies such as chatbots and image generators, concerns about AI displacing human jobs have intensified, reported Washington post.
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Professionals in various fields, such as writers and coders, have already lost their jobs due to AI adoption. Hollywood writers, for example, gained protections against mandatory use of AI-generated content in their union contracts. Despite claims by tech executives that AI will improve productivity rather than replace jobs entirely, studies suggest that about 20% of American workers are in positions with high exposure to AI.
The newly formed group aims to produce a report providing insights for business leaders and workers. Although the focus will be on 56 types of technology-related jobs, the specific roles examined have not yet been disclosed. However, participating companies are actively working to determine these job categories.
Tech industry response: reskilling or layoffs
While large technology companies often emphasize reskilling and upskilling initiatives to adapt to technological changes, they have also been associated with significant layoffs in the past. Despite assurances from AI company executives that the technology will primarily increase human efficiency, skepticism remains about its potential impact on employment.
Integrating AI into software tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Outlook is touted as streamlining tasks like writing emails and summarizing notes. Despite these promises, uncertainties remain about the overall implications of AI on the workforce.
As the Big Tech panel examines this complex issue, its findings are eagerly awaited by industry stakeholders and workers. The evolving AI landscape and its implications for employment highlight the importance of proactive research and dialogue to navigate the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence.
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