“AI is not going to replace humans, humans with AI will replace humans that don’t use AI.” – Emad Mostaque

Unlike narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks, AGI aims to replicate the general problem-solving capabilities of the human brain.

One of the many things that keeps me up at night when it comes to AI is the job loss implications of AI, especially Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

AI could potentially replace a substantial number of current jobs across various sectors, especially routine-based tasks in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, customer service, and administrative support.

White-collar jobs that involve data analysis, recruiting, actuaries, entry-level programming, copywriting, Ad development, and financial service roles, to name a few. Below are some jobs that AI could replace and why.

AI can already do these jobs:

1. Repetitive and Routine Tasks
   • Manufacturing and Assembly Line Workers: AI can automate repetitive tasks with high precision and efficiency.
   • Data Entry Clerks: Automated systems can handle large volumes of data entry with minimal error.
2. Analytical and Computational Tasks:
   • Accountants and Bookkeepers: AI can process and analyze financial data, perform audits, and generate reports.
   • Market Research Analysts: AI can analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and big data more effectively.
3. Customer Service and Support:
   • Call Center Operators: AI can handle customer inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and provide support through advanced natural language processing.
   • Technical Support Specialists: AI systems can diagnose and resolve technical problems efficiently.
4. Transportation and Delivery:
   • Drivers (Truck, Taxi, Delivery): Autonomous vehicles and drones powered by AI can potentially replace human drivers.
   • Logistics Coordinators: AI can optimize supply chain management and logistics operations.
5. Healthcare:
   • Radiologists and Pathologists: AI can analyze medical images and pathology slides with high accuracy.
   • Pharmacists: AI can dispense medications and provide drug interaction advice.
6. Legal and Administrative:
   • Paralegals and Legal Assistants: AI can conduct legal research, draft documents, and manage case files.
   • Administrative Assistants: AI can handle scheduling, correspondence, and other administrative tasks.
7. Creative and Content Generation:
   • Writers and Journalists: AI can generate news articles, reports, and creative content.
   • Graphic Designers: AI can create visual content and design elements.
8. Financial Services:
   • Traders and Stock Analysts: AI can analyze market data and execute trades.
   • Loan Officers: AI can assess credit risk and approve loan applications.
9. Education and Training:
   • Tutors and Teaching Assistants: AI can provide personalized instruction and feedback to students.
   • Corporate Trainers: AI can develop and deliver training programs.
10. Research and Development:
    • Research Analysts: AI can process and analyze vast amounts of data to derive insights.
    • Product Developers: AI can aid in designing and testing new products.

While these roles are at higher risk of being impacted by AI, it is also important to note that AI will likely create new job categories and opportunities in areas such as AI system oversight, ethical compliance, and human-AI collaboration management. Additionally, tasks that require emotional intelligence, complex decision-making, and creative thinking may still necessitate a human touch, albeit possibly in a transformed role.

Predicting the Future

1. The impact may be widespread, with some estimates suggesting AI could replace approximately 80% of economically valuable jobs in the next 20-25 years.
2. Knowledge workers, including those with undergraduate and graduate degrees, are considered to be at high risk of displacement by AI.
3. While new jobs related to AI development and maintenance may be created, the rate of job destruction is expected to surpass job creation.
4. The job market transformation could lead to changes in traditional work structures, potentially increasing remote work and expanding the gig economy.
5. To mitigate negative impacts, there’s a growing emphasis on workforce adaptation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
6. Some experts and AI scientists advocate for creating social welfare funds and universal basic income to address potential widespread job displacement.

Did you see that one? “While new jobs related to AI development and maintenance may be created, the rate of job destruction is expected to surpass job creation.”