America’s Divide on AI’s Workforce Impact Could Be Costly
Very recently, I've faced an unexpected challenge: being blocked by friends I've known for years. These friends refuse to acknowledge the rapid advancements in technology and their potential impact on our lives. Just eight months ago, I was like them, dismissing the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) and believing it could never affect me. The Hollywood writers' strike initially caught my attention; they were fighting for their jobs, fearing that AI, like ChatGPT, could replace their skills.
I understand now that the people who are not able to relate to the ones suffering from being unable to reenter the job market live in another reality. The reality of the past is. My life for the last 6 months has been nothing but financial hardship and emotional toll, and I am not the only one going through it. Approximately 2,100 families are losing their jobs every single day due to the unchecked implementation of AI and automation. This is impacting families, leaving them unable to pay their rent or mortgage, afford food, and meet other necessities. It is understandable that one may not understand the situation that you live in and remain in the denial stage. I’ve personally gone through all stages of grief for the past 6 months regarding this technology taking over my skillset. First, I denied the fact that ChatGPT could create charts on your behalf. I literally disconnected my phone from the Internet and turned it off that evening when I saw this tech article in the news that announced such a thing. Then I was extremely upset, trying to find someone to blame for releasing such a technology, which most likely is the responsibility of our government. If that’s the case, what form will this anger take? Peaceful anger?
Even then I thought my position as a Director of Business Intelligence and data analyst was safe. I was wrong.
As shown in the video below, AI can now completely replicate my skillset. Tasks that once took me hours to complete in Microsoft Power BI, such as creating bar charts and conducting detailed data analyses, can now be done instantly by AI. Moreover, AI can answer follow-up questions regarding the data, rendering the role of a data analyst nearly obsolete. This realization has been a bitter pill to swallow, but it underscores a broader issue: the dangerous divide in America regarding AI’s impact.
Those who refuse to discuss the "big elephant in the room" are not contributing to a solution. Instead, they are perpetuating a trajectory that could have dire consequences for our country. The fact is this technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over humans labor, already.
Column: The writers’ strike was the first workplace battle between humans and AI. The humans won….[for now] - Los Angeles Times
The Chief of the International Monetary Fund in Europe has already warned that we are highly unprepared to handle the job displacement crisis due to unchecked AI implementation.
Ignoring this issue won’t make it disappear; it will only make the fallout more severe. The U.S. government needs to act now, before it’s too late.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec | Advocate for Ethical AI and Job Preservation
AI will hit the labor market like a “tsunami”, IMF chief warns. “We have very little time to get people ready for it” - Fortune
We are at a critical juncture. The rapid pace of AI development demands urgent attention and action. It’s essential to recognize the potential of AI to transform industries and displace millions of jobs. However, this transformation doesn’t have to spell disaster. By addressing the issue head-on, we can work towards solutions that mitigate the negative impacts on the workforce and ensure a more equitable future.
It’s time for a national conversation about AI and its implications. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals must come together to create strategies that will help us adapt to this new reality. This includes investing in retraining programs, developing robust safety nets for displaced workers, and implementing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment.
We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand. The future of our workforce, and indeed our society, depends on our willingness to confront these challenges and find innovative solutions. Let’s not allow fear or denial to dictate our response to one of the most significant technological shifts of our time. Instead, let’s embrace the opportunity to shape a future where technology enhances human potential rather than undermining it.
#DemandEthicalAI #VoiceForChange
