Headlines paint a dire picture of mass unemployment in a robot-dominated future, but the future isn't as bleak as you might think. Some experts say AI and new technologies will generate more jobs than they destroy.
That said, the type of work we do is changing. Repetitive and physical tasks like data entry and programming will be replaced by jobs requiring creativity, empathy, and sense-making. In many ways, these new jobs can supply a boost up the career ladder, as long as you're able and willing to acquire the training.
To prepare for the future, you should consider:
The truth is, you're probably already aware of the AI revolution — most Americans are, and they're not upset about it.
About three-quarters of Americans (76%) are largely optimistic about the impact AI will have on people's lives and work. Northeastern University, Gallup
Despite the optimism, 73 percent of American workers expect the introduction of AI to result in a net loss of jobs. Northeastern University, Gallup
They are more worried about losing their job to AI (23%) than they are to immigrants (12%), despite the latter being a critical issue in the 2016 election. Northeastern University, Gallup
By 2022, AI-enabled automation will displace 75 million jobs but create 133 million new ones, according to the World Economic Forum. World Economic Forum
Meanwhile, Dun & Bradstreet found that 40 percent of companies are adding jobs because of AI, while only eight percent report cutting jobs. Dun & Bradstreet
Here are the top five cities for new AI jobs:
Here's a list of occupations ranked from the most to least susceptible to being replaced by automation:
High Risk 70%–100%:
Medium Risk 30%–70%:
Low Risk 0%–30%:
About half (51%) say they would need additional education to secure a new equivalent position should they lose their current job due to new technology. Notably, white-collar workers and blue-collar workers are both split on this question (52% and 50%, respectively). Northeastern University, Gallup
Just under half of American workers (49%) say they would largely look to employers to provide the education they'd need to find equivalent positions.
Like it or not, AI will continue revolutionizing the workplace, and the stats above will prepare you for the changes. Keep reading our 2020 employment stats series for more advice on breaking out from the pack:
Don is a freelance writer with more than five years' experience in digital media. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Oprah.com, Yahoo! and HuffPost. While at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, his creative use of archival content...
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