Artificial Intelligence has taken the technological world by storm since its inception in the 1950’s. Now often associated with ChatGPT or Grammarly, the viewpoint that AI may eradicate many, most, or even all of our jobs is becoming increasingly worrying. Is this just a fear-fuelled conspiracy theory, or is this issue going to become all too real for the young people of today?
To some students, AI bots and their tools were a saving grace during the 2020 COVID pandemic, when writing papers and essays was particularly difficult for a multitude of reasons.
Now, however, it seems the impact of AI is becoming out of hand. Since the 2000’s, automation systems have already eliminated 1.7 million jobs – a number that will continue to increase as AI becomes more advanced.
A report by Goldman Sachs estimates that the replacement of 300 million jobs is an approaching reality, and ¼ of work tasks in the US and Europe alone will be replaced.
However, the impact of AI and what it holds for the future extends beyond figures from reports. AI has already begun stealing from artists, writers, and musicians.
A number of artists whose work has been lifted from the internet to train AI engines have taken legal action against AI companies. These artists claim that the companies are profiting from their work without providing proper credit or payment.
In 2023, The Irish Times got in hot water for publishing an opinion column about Irish women and fake tan that was written at least partially by AI. With AI slowly infiltrating the arts industries, the conspiracy seems to be becoming too real to just be a theory. Anyone studying and passionate about careers in these areas may feel the need to seek training in other areas. However, who is to say that AI won’t come for these new areas next as technology continues to advance?
The idea that this will improve the efficiency of workers is a problem in itself: setting impossible standards for young people and workers to try to reach in order to have the job of their dreams is dangerous. Unemployment or income bracket downgrade will be the only option.
While AI does have perks like 24/7 digital assistance, cost reduction, lack of human error and faster decision making, there is a question to be pondered: is it worth the unregulated investment?