Week 5- Artificial Intelligence

We all know how much technology has changed our lives, but is it true that future jobs could be affected by all the possibilities technology creates? The short answer is yes, due to the rapidly developing concept of artificial intelligence, also known as AI.


What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence has to do with the advancement of computer systems that allows something like a computer or robot to perform a task that normally is done by humans due to our intelligence. The book, Surfing the Tsunami, offers a great overall explanation of what the main idea behind artificial intelligence is. "Ultimately the goal of artificial intelligence is to explore how far computers can be taken to stimulate human intelligence, or potentially to exceed human intelligence" (Kelsey 10). Being able to stimulate human intelligence is a powerful thing, but with it comes fear of jobs being lost due to computers that can think like a human.

What is AI used for? 
AI is used for a variety of different jobs and tasks, but I think it has come a long way in the field of manufacturing. AI allows robots to perform a variety of tasks such as packaging, labeling, and assembling at a faster rate than humans, making it a great way to make more product in less amount of time. Another great feature of AI is that is safer because it removes the risk of injury that can occur when humans operate heavy equipment used to build and assemble products. AI is also used to generate and store data with programs like Excel, that allow you to calculate important data faster. Artificial intelligence is also used in social media with businesses using a robot to chat with customers, which cuts down on wait time and leads to better customer service since customers can get questions answered faster.

How is artificial intelligence affecting the job market?
There is still a lot we don't know about AI, like exactly many jobs will be lost due to automation or how many new jobs it will create. The main idea to keep in mind is that the word of AI is here and it will have some effect on the future job market. Here are some interesting facts about AI and the job market, but more facts and details about AI and its potential effects on the job market could be found by clicking here.

1. World Economic Forum believes that automation will displace 75 million jobs but generate 133 million new ones worldwide by 2022.
 
2. 67% of Chinese executives and 50% of U.S executives expect a reduction in the number of employees over the next 5 years due to advanced robots

3. One in five job seekers fear that they will one day lose their job due to artificial intelligence and what it can do.

 

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