AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Employment

Few days earlier I participated in "Speak for India" a pan-India level platform for debating, where I encountered with the topic 'AI is eating jobs in society?'

 It was a bit confusing topic for me, I didn't understand whether to oppose it as an engineering student or to defend it as a sociology student.

No Doubt, AI is really very smart. We are seeing the use of AI in many places today. During a project working session with ChatGPT, I made a casual request as to "GENERATE A LOVE FICTION NOVEL". To my surprise, the AI model generated a complete novel with professionally written content, including an index and other relevant features that would be suitable for publishing. Eventually I also tried to compose a song with the help of AI. AI is not something very new, Google Map, Face Detection/ Recognition, Search Engines, Social Media Recommendations, etc. all these are examples of AI we are using unknowngly. The Supreme Court has recently utilized ChatGPT for live transcriptions during case hearings, and the Madras High Court has also issued a judgement based on its assistance. While the intelligence of AI is considered to be at a highly advanced level, but still it's ChatGPT has not yet been successful in clearing UPSC and JEE Advanced, which are considered to be the toughest exams in India. It is possible that AI technology may require further time to be fully developed, despite the continued progress in machine learning and deep learning advancements.

Now coming to the important point- "Will AI affect the country's human resources?" So the answer is "yes".

"WATCH OUT for the man with the silicon chip 

Hold on to your job firm grip 

Cause if you don't you will have had your chips

The same as my old man..."

Scottish singer Ewan MacColl's, 

3 decades old song composed for his father who lost his job during technological annexation, is surprisingly relates to our time.

According to the study of Goldman Sachs, to the end of 2025 over 3 billion full time jobs around the World are set to get automated, with workers replaced by machines or robotics. To put it simply, both blue-collar workers and white-collar workers will feel the brunt of the AI ​​invasion. A Goldman Sachs researcher predicts that technology could have a major impact on the labor market where the risk of failure of professions like lawyers, accountants and managers are high. 

AI has the potential to automate many jobs, particularly routine or manual labor, which could lead to unemployment and lower wages for certain types of workers. This could contribute to a widening income gap between those with the necessary technical skills and those without.

Another concern is that it will widen the already present skills gap. As AI continues to develop and become more advanced, there may be a growing demand for workers with technical skills, leading to a divide between those who have the necessary skills and those who do not. This could further exacerbate existing inequalities in the economy.

It is often stated that the judiciary is not simply black and white. However, artificial intelligence differs from humans in that it is not the best in making judgments, as it lacks the ability to consider human emotions and situations. While AI may read the constitution and all relevant law books, it cannot take into account the complexities of morality in its decision-making process.

This is because artificial intelligence is built upon ethics rather than morality. Although it may adhere to certain ethical principles and rules, it is unable to interpret them in the same way that a human can. In essence, AI lacks the capacity for empathy and compassion, which are essential components of human morality.

Along with that, the benefits of AI are likely to be concentrated in the hands of a few large technology companies, which could lead to a further concentration of wealth and power in the tech sector. This could contribute to a lack of competition and could result in monopolistic practices.

Another major concern is the potential for AI systems to perpetuate existing biases and discrimination. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and if the data is biased, the decision-making of AI systems could be as well. This could further entrench existing inequalities in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice.

It is worth noting that even Mahatma Gandhi had expressed concerns regarding the effects of industrialization. While it is true that machines have replaced human labor in many industries, it is equally true that in certain areas, human work cannot be replaced by machines.

Several organizations have expressed that while the employment of blue-collar workers may decrease due to technology, along with that new job opportunities may arise for highly educated, skilled, and innovative individuals who are currently unemployed. It is important to note that the definition of technology is evolving, and it now encompasses a wide range of fields such as quantum computing, 3D printing, genetic engineering, brain sciences, and nanotechnology. Those with expertise in these areas are likely to have prosperous careers.

It is a misconception that technology destroys jobs; in reality, it create jobs, enables people to achieve liberation, and drives social progress. It is also crucial to understand the ethical issues surrounding technology, including privacy, inclusivity, and fairness. To address these concerns, it is necessary to bring together various stakeholders, such as scientists, technologists, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and corporations, to collaborate on important matters.

Competing positions can lead to polarization and negatively affect economic progress. Therefore, it is necessary to work together towards solutions that benefit everyone. Collaboration can lead to innovative and sustainable solutions that can drive economic growth and development.

 

It is important to acknowledge that no technology or system is inherently more intelligent than human beings. Rather, these systems are programmed and designed based on the input they receive. Ultimately, it is up to humans to decide how to utilize technology, and unfortunately, it has been used negatively to a significant extent. As such, it is necessary to establish legal frameworks to regulate its use.

Several countries, including the United States and the European Union, have implemented policies aimed at controlling the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In contrast, the Government of India has stated that there is currently no need to make any such decisions.

It is essential to recognize that AI can have both positive and negative effects on society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that its implementation is ethical and beneficial to all. Establishing regulations that protect against the misuse of technology is necessary to safeguard against potential harm. This requires cooperation between government officials, technological experts, and other stakeholders to promote a safe and effective use of AI. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to shape the future of AI in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and promotes progress for all.

In conclusion, The idea of "Survival of the fittest," popularized by Darwin, suggests that challenges are inevitable and should be accepted as opportunities for growth. By embracing challenges, individuals can develop valuable skills such as resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities that can benefit both their personal and professional lives.

The impact of AI on job displacement and the labor market is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. While AI has the potential to automate many jobs and increase efficiency, it also presents significant challenges and risks to the economy and society as a whole. It is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate to address these concerns and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are shared equitably among all members of society.

As we continue to navigate this rapidly changing landscape, it is essential to remember that the future is not predetermined, and we have the power to shape it. By working together, we can create a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

~ ✍️ Tejas Shelake

Image Credit:

Img1 - automatedcuriosity 

Img2 - The Hindu Business line

Img3 - Regional Neurological

Img4 - fobes