Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the ages: Alan Turing, widely regarded as the inventor of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence, is believed to have said, “expect the machines to take over” and “it would not take long to exceed our puny powers” once “the machine thinking process had started.”
Since Turing’s demise, the world has undergone profound changes, and warnings of a dystopian future brought on by the proliferation of artificial intelligence technology have become louder.
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere; it’s not only something you see in Silicon Valley or in science fiction. It’s impossible to avoid encountering AI these days, whether it’s in the guise of predictive internet search engines, chatbots that help us book everything from restaurants to Covid-19 vaccinations, smart devices in our homes, or virtual assistants telling us how long it will take to get to work.
According to studies of projected trends, the worldwide market for AI will expand at a growth rate of 33.6% between 2021 and 2028. Powered by AI, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is on the horizon.
There will be a dramatic change in the makeup of our workforce as AI advances. An estimated 85 million jobs throughout the world will be lost to automation and workplace digitization by the year 2020, according to a report presented at the World Economic Forum. The World Intelligence Congress has also predicted that by 2024, AI will be able to do the duties of a human manager in most cases.
Artificial Intelligence: A double-edged sword?
Concerns regarding the effect of AI and other forms of cutting-edge tech on the labour market have been on the rise as technological progress has continued at a rapid clip. Despite widespread concern that automation would render many occupations obsolete, an increasing number of people are beginning to see that there are some skills that are distinctly human and will continue to be in demand even as computers improve. Human skills like empathy, creativity, and communication are likely to stand out as some of the most valuable in the future workplace.
Unlocking your potential: The irreplaceable value of three essential human skills
Human skill is highly prized because it is challenging for robots to simulate. Machines are getting better and better at carrying out repetitive jobs and making judgments based on data, but they still have a ways to go before they can fully understand human emotions and communicate with nuance. Hence, occupations like nursing, counseling, and teaching that involve compassion and interpersonal skills will continue to be in demand.
Empathy
The ability to empathize with others is one of the many human skills that will become increasingly valuable in the future. Although computers are getting better at seeing trends and making forecasts, they still can’t solve problems in truly original ways. As a result, fields requiring original thought and innovation, such as graphic design, advertising, and product creation, should continue to attract plenty of applicants.
Creativity
Creativity comes in second. Creativity is the ability to integrate information from different sources into creative ways of conceiving and solving a difficulty. With creativity, one can find a solution that is not easy to infer or piece together from the collected data. Developing one’s creative abilities is a learned skill that needs to be honed through study and practice.
Communication
Finally, the ability to communicate effectively is another human skill that is likely to remain in demand in the years to come. While artificial intelligence is advancing in its ability to generate written and spoken language, it still has some ways to go before it can effectively communicate in a wide variety of settings. Because of this, fields like public speaking, journalism, and marketing will likely continue to attract many people.
Jobs and AI
Yet it’s also true that AI and other cutting-edge technology will have a significant impact on the labour market. Certain jobs will become obsolete, while others will be made easier to complete with the assistance of these technological advancements. But keep in mind that these tools can’t replace the special abilities that people have. Instead, they are a resource that may be exploited to complement human functioning and increase productivity.
In conclusion, as artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies continue to develop, it will become increasingly vital for people to develop human skills such as empathy, creativity, and communication. Machines may be more efficient at some activities than humans, but they can’t replace what humans bring to the table in terms of their individual talents and perspectives. Hence, employment requiring these skills is expected to continue in high demand, and it will be crucial for individuals to acquire these abilities in order to thrive in the evolving job market of the future.
Contributed by Dr Vimal Babu, Associate Professor of HR & OB area, SRM University-AP.
Views expressed are personal.
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