Will AI Take My Job?

#ai #artificialintelligence #employment #emotionalintelligence ?

It is projected that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries will contribute a staggering $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Already, intelligent systems are displacing humans in areas like manufacturing, service delivery, recruitment, and finance, causing a shift in the workforce towards lower-paid positions or even unemployment.

Some predict that by 2040, our workforce will be unrecognizable as AI continues to outperform humans in task after task. This group of people also seem to suggest that we are on the verge of out-sourcing our intelligence to technology.

They are wrong in this suggestion, in my opinion, as their perspective tends to assume a zero-sum game, where only AI emerges as the ultimate victor. Granted, we are witnessing AI taking over repetitive physical tasks, fitting perfectly in lower-level routine duties within closed management systems. Indeed, in controlled environments, where the rules are clear and external influences are limited, nearly any task can be automated, handing over jobs to AI.

But this view of out-sourcing human intelligence to machines is not a true reflection of reality; ironically, it is, in itself, artificial.

AI will not replace human tasks across the board. For that to occur, AI and humans would need to possess the same qualities and abilities, but they don't. AI-based machines excel in speed, accuracy, and consistent rationality, but they lack intuition, emotion, and cultural sensitivity. Human capabilities extend beyond what AI can replicate. Unlike AI, humans have the power to imagine, anticipate, feel, and make judgments in response to changing situations, allowing them to address both short-term and long-term concerns. These uniquely human abilities, collectively referred to as "authentic intelligence," do not rely on a constant stream of externally provided data, as is the case with AI. In open systems (i.e., the kind of system where we as humans live 24/7), where ongoing transformation is taking place, effective management necessitates the application of authentic (human) intelligence.

AI will undoubtedly continue to automate rote and repetitive tasks, but we need to recognize the distinctive value that human intelligence (authentic intelligence) brings to the table; and, more importantly, what AI does not bring to the table.

(1)??AI lacks emotional intelligence. While it attempts to replicate human intelligence, our emotional intelligence is not easy to replicate as it requires empathy and a deep understanding of the human experience, particularly emotions such as pain and suffering. AI simply cannot experience emotions or feel pain, which hinders its ability to truly understand and connect with humans on an emotional level.

(2)??AI relies on inputted data and is based on the information it receives. When unexpected or unforeseen circumstances arise, the machine becomes ineffective and essentially becomes a useless algorithm. AI lacks the adaptability and flexibility of our human intelligence, which allows us to make sense of new and unfamiliar situations beyond the limitations of pre-existing data.

(3)??The creative process of AI is confined to the data it receives, restricted to existing templates and patterns, thus preventing it from thinking up new ways, styles, or innovative approaches to work. AI can generate outcomes based on existing knowledge, but it struggles with true creativity and originality that we, as humans, possess.

(4)??AI lacks soft skills such as teamwork, critical and creative thinking, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. Collaboration, emotional understanding, and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics are areas where AI falls short.

(5)??AI requires fact-checking by humans. Sure, AI can learn rapidly, but it lacks common sense and the capability to reason and challenge facts to the same extent as humans. Humans possess a deeper understanding of context, nuance, and critical thinking, enabling us to evaluate information beyond surface-level data and identify potential biases or inaccuracies.

As time passes, the collaboration of AI and authentic intelligence will become increasingly important. Rather than succumbing to a "winner-takes-all" mentality or fearing job replacement, we should focus on finding ways for humans to work alongside AI.

The World Economic Forum predicts that while AI may replace approximately 85 million jobs by 2025, it will also create around 97 million new jobs. Therefore, our emphasis should be on understanding how humans can effectively collaborate with AI to leverage its capabilities and drive positive outcomes. It’s a symbiotic relationship that capitalizes on human creativity, intuition, and critical thinking, while utilizing AI's efficiency, data processing capabilities, and task automation.