No, AI Is Not Replacing Humans in the Workforce

Artificial intelligence is becoming a hotter and hotter topic among workers and organizations as we step further into the future. Often, however, it is met with a lot of skepticism and even fear. This does not have to be the case.

For many of us, our encounters with AI are primarily from science fiction movies, TV shows, and novels. They are enjoyable but often paint an incomplete and sometimes wholly different picture of its prevalence in our world today. (Yes, AI is already a huge part of our lives, whether we realize it or not.)

Artificial intelligence changes the future of work. From how we interact with other people online to how we shop, there is AI at work in what we do. But what is its significance in the lives of humans today? Should it be met with fear or excitement?

From how we interact with other people online to how we shop, there is AI at work in what we do. But what is its significance in the lives of humans today? Should it be met with fear or excitement?

Aren't Robots Taking the Jobs of Humans?

One of the primary concerns that many people have about the wider adoption of AI in various industries is that there will be fewer jobs for humans should it occur. Although the dystopian movies may say so, reality is not quite similar. Contrary to popular perception,artificial intelligence in manufacturingwill always need the assistance of humans.

AI does have the unique ability to process large amounts of data in a short amount of time and with fewer errors. Machines also have no need to take breaks or rest in between work hours.

However, machines are rigid, incapable of improvising and doing tasks outside of their programming. On the other hand, humans have a broader scope of knowledge and capabilities to think outside the box and troubleshoot. Humans remain an essential part of the process as they have the analytical capabilities to examine data and interpret them.

A report made by the World Economic Forum has stated that approximately 85 million jobs will be taken by machines in 2025. In itself, this sounds like an alarming statement. But the same report also says that due to this,97 million jobs could be createdto adapt to the need for these new machines.

Humans are always needed to first create these machines and then to program them and perform maintenance. Humans also have the unique ability for creativity and critical thinking that AIs cannot replace. Human complexities and connections are unique to people, and no machine can relate with humans the way humans can.

The Future of Jobs in the Time of AI

With the growth of AI applications in various fields, from medicine to manufacturing, the nature of jobs needed is also changing. Automation will continue to eliminate jobs that require repetitive labor. Along with this comes the opportunity for humans to perform tasks of higher value.

In other words, automation does not just "take away" jobs from people. It actually just lets humans take different kinds of jobs.

To prepare for an AI-heavy future, organizations need skilled professionals in managing data, such as developers and engineers. There will also be a need for more technicians who are well-versed in these highly complex technologies. There will also be a wide range of industries in which these jobs are needed, such as healthcare, transportation, finance, and gaming, among others.

How AI Helps Education

On the side of education, artificial intelligence presents solutions for the challenges teachers and students face.

Mckinsey reports that with the help of AI,teachers could redistribute20% to 40% of their time toward activities that enrich student experience. Their research further shows that these specific areas include lesson preparations, admin work, and evaluation and feedback for students.

In distance learning, AI and machine learning have also been helping many teachers create their lessons with tools such as Canva, which helps teachers quickly build presentations and worksheets.

Platforms such as Alelo and ASSISTments also let students practice lessons on their own. These have features for teachers that allow them to assign specific assignments for students' various areas of improvement and then forward results and feedback to teachers for further assistance.

Looking Toward the Future with AI

Instead of seeing AI as a threat to humans, it is more appropriate to discuss and approach it as a companion that should improve our ways of life. AI makes existing technologies faster and allows the development of better technologies that make business operations more efficient and accurate. AI then also saves money with the fewer mistakes it leaves room for.

As we look to the future of the many industries that AI is changing today, remember that people are still crucial in keeping these machines running and therefore remain vital to the workforce of the future.