In November 2022, the world witnessed a groundbreaking moment when OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, a revolutionary AI tool that sparked a wave of optimism and concern about the impact of AI on jobs. While some saw these tools as aids to human labor, others feared the potential negative consequences, such as AI replacing human jobs.
As more companies followed suit and developed their own AI tools, the impact of AI on jobs became a more pressing topic of discussion. Tech visionary Elon Musk emphasized the potential for AI to replace human jobs, but many experts believe that AI will complement rather than substitute for human work. This perspective aligns with Musk’s own endeavors, such as electric cars, where advanced AI systems enhance human driving and open up new possibilities rather than eliminating the need for human involvement.
Jobs most likely to be replaced by AI
OpenAI’s study shed light on the job roles most at risk due to the capabilities of ChatGPT. Here’s a list of jobs that AI will most likely replace:
1. Data Entry Clerks:
Jobs involving manual data entry and data processing are at high risk as AI can handle such tasks faster and with greater accuracy.
2. Telemarketers:
AI-powered chatbots and automated systems can handle customer queries and sales calls, reducing the need for human telemarketers.
3. Cashiers:
With the rise of self-checkout systems and automated payment options, traditional cashier roles in retail could be replaced.
4. Factory Workers in Routine Tasks:
Repetitive tasks in manufacturing and assembly lines can be efficiently carried out by AI-powered robots.
5. Customer Service Representatives:
AI-driven chatbots can handle basic customer inquiries and support, minimising the need for a large human workforce.
6. Drivers and Delivery Personnel:
The advent of self-driving vehicles and drones could impact jobs that involve driving and local deliveries.
7. Routine Administrative Assistants:
AI tools can schedule appointments, manage emails, and perform other administrative tasks, reducing the need for dedicated assistants.
8. Fast Food Cooks:
In fast-food restaurants, AI-powered machines could take over tasks like burger flipping and basic food preparation.
9. Basic Retail Salespeople:
As AI-driven recommendations and online shopping continue to grow, the need for in-store salespeople might decrease.
11. Bank Tellers:
Online banking and ATMs have already reduced the demand for bank tellers, and AI-driven financial services might further impact this role.
11. Additional Roles:
Tech jobs like coding and data analysis, media roles such as advertising and journalism, legal industry jobs, market research analysis, teaching, finance, trading, graphic design, accounting, and customer service are also at risk.
OpenAI’s study suggests that for a significant portion of workers, up to 50% of their job functions could be impacted by AI’s capabilities. The potential scale of this change is daunting.
AI And Future: Numbers and Predictions
Goldman Sachs’ report paints a vivid picture of the potential impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT & Google Bard. They predict that AI could automate around 25% of jobs in the United States and Europe, affecting approximately 300 million full-time workers. This statistic suggests that a substantial portion of the workforce is exposed to AI automation to varying degrees.
However, the International Labour Organization (ILO) offers a more nuanced perspective. The ILO study posits that while AI will undoubtedly reshape the work landscape, it won’t necessarily replace human workers wholesale. Instead, most jobs and industries are likely to be “complemented” by the latest wave of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The report highlights that automation will be partial rather than complete.
The Unveiling of Opportunities
As ChatGPT takes the world by storm with over 100 million users and unprecedented growth, it’s evident that the impact on industries and jobs is profound. Many professionals have already experienced changes in their roles, including data scientists who have had to adapt to new ways of working.
OpenAI’s strides are just the beginning. Numerous companies, both giants like NVIDIA, and startups like Midjourney, are driving advancements in generative AI. While AI will displace certain jobs, it’s also poised to create exciting new opportunities. The evolving job landscape demands forward thinking about the skills and roles that will be valued in the future.
The impact of AI on jobs is a major topic of discussion, as the AI revolution ushered in by ChatGPT has raised questions about the future of work. While some job roles are at risk of being partially automated, the broader consensus suggests that AI will complement rather than substitute for human work. To thrive in future with AI, workers will need to adapt, reskill, and harness AI as a tool to enhance their capabilities. The road ahead promises both challenges and remarkable prospects for the workforce of tomorrow.
