Navigating the GenAI Revolution

I've been following the discussions around the impact of GenAI on the job market. Recent research papers and news articles have raised concerns about the potential displacement of certain job roles, particularly those deemed "automation-prone," such as writing and coding.

One paper that caught my attention was "Who is AI Replacing? The Impact of Generative AI on Online Freelancing Platforms," which analyzed 1.4M job postings between July 2021 and July 2023 on a leading online freelancing platform. The paper reported a 21% decrease in job posts for automation-prone jobs related to (copy) writing and coding after the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022.

However, as I delved deeper into the paper, I couldn't help but notice a glaring omission – the significant tech layoffs and hiring freezes that occurred during the same period. Major tech companies like Amazon implemented hiring freezes as early as November 2022, which extended well into 2024. Additionally, TechCrunch reported a 214,007 tech layoffs in the first half of 2023 alone.

These broader economic factors undoubtedly impacted the demand for freelancers and contractors, regardless of the advent of GenAI technologies. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the impact of economic downturns over the years, I believe it's crucial to consider these broader industry dynamics when evaluating the true impact of GenAI.

A similar article from the BBC news, titled “AI took their jobs. now they get paid to make it sound human”. The article focused on a Benjamin Miller (not his real name) and how his team of 60 writers and editors has been impacted by the company bringing in ChatGPT to write articles in early 2023. By 2024 Benjamin was the only person left, and was reduced to editing ChatGPT generated articles, fixing mistakes and making them sound “more human”.? Benjamin was laid off on April 5th 2024, “just another unnecessary layer of human intervention”. Ironically, he now works at Undetectable AI, a company striving to make AI writing harder to detect.

As a Product Manager and People Leader who is looking for a new challenge GenAI disruption is a valid concern, I believe it is essential to approach this challenge with a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt. Rather than viewing GenAI as a threat, we need to explore ways to leverage these technologies to augment our human capabilities and enhance productivity.

Instead of viewing GenAI as a replacement for human workers, let's strive to create a symbiotic relationship where human expertise and creativity are augmented by these powerful technologies. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, we can position ourselves and our teams to thrive in the evolving tech landscape.

Remember, technological disruptions have always been a part of the tech industry's evolution, and each disruption has brought forth new opportunities and industries. With a balanced perspective, a growth mindset, and a willingness to collaborate, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI with resilience and adaptability.