The Unseen Cost of AI: A Tech Worker’s Sarcastic Journey Through Job Displacement
In the not-so-distant past, Kevin enjoyed a flourishing career as a data analyst, a field he thrived in for a decade. But then, artificial intelligence and tech companies’ insatiable greed for higher profits disrupted everything. Kevin, like many of his peers, found himself displaced, unable to reenter the saturated job market.
But Kevin isn’t special in his predicament. Last month alone in April, a total of 65,000 tech workers' jobs were cut, which is equivalent to over 2,100 daily jobs lost, and AI was to blame for the most losses ever. It’s a heartwarming statistic, really – misery loves company, and knowing he’s not alone offers cold comfort. Every day for the past six months, Kevin has wandered, pondering what, if anything, the government is doing to address this issue. Spoiler alert: nothing.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Kevin clings to hope. He envisions a future where reskilling programs are subsidized by the government, making tech workers relevant again. He dreams of a world where unemployment services can keep up with the ever-growing demand of displaced workers.
Kevin’s grand vision also involves government intervention to stop these metaphorical fires, even though 95% of tech companies are raking in profits. Using his AI skills, Kevin analyzed the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act of 2024, presented by the Biden-Harris Administration, seeking clarity on America’s vision for ethical AI. But every day, he checks the status of the bill on the Congress website – and it’s still just “introduced.” One can only wonder what the President is doing to expedite this crucial legislation.
Kevin’s background in data analytics has given him a keen insight into the economy’s future. It's like a ship heading straight for an iceberg. Despite the bumpy road ahead, Kevin remains hopeful, perhaps naively so, that President Joe Biden will have a timely epiphany.
So here’s to Kevin – and the countless others like him – navigating the choppy waters of job displacement with a blend of humor and desperate optimism. Because sometimes, laughing at the absurdity is the best way to cope with a serious situation.
#VoiceForChange # DemandEthicalAI
