Desperation in the Face of AI Job Displacement: A Call to Action by The People
In recent months, my attempts to raise awareness about the dire consequences of AI on job displacement have been met with indifference from news outlets, politicians, Congress members, and future Senators alike, as well as the general public. The alarming reality is that we're running out of time to address this issue. The IMF's chief has already sounded the alarm, stating that 40% of the global workforce could be impacted by AI, and in developed countries like the United States, this figure could rise to 60%. Despite these warnings, there is a pervasive lack of urgency.
Even though many people currently have jobs, they need to understand that they could be next. As a former data analyst, I have experienced this firsthand. My skills, which once commanded a six-figure salary, have been rendered obsolete by AI tools like ChatGPT, available for a mere $20 a month. Employers are no longer willing to pay for human expertise when a cheaper, more efficient alternative exists.
OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT-4 data analyst feature can transform spreadsheets into visual charts and answer data-related questions, a skill that took me 10 years to master. Now, employers can access this capability for just $20 a month. It is unlikely that employers will pay me a six-figure salary for work that an AI can do more cost-effectively. The field of data analysis is, unfortunately, dying, if not already dead, in the long term. At 35 years old, I never imagined that just a year ago, I would be unable to continue this job for the rest of my career, with about 40 more years until retirement.
This is not just about my personal struggle; it's about the collective future of our workforce. The government will only act if they are aware of our dissatisfaction, but so far, the people have failed to raise their voices. We are at a critical juncture where technology could displace every skill set, as Elon Musk recently stated, not only taking jobs but also questioning the very meaning of life.
“AI will not only take away your job, but also the meaning of Life” - Elon Musk, May 24th 2024.
I have tried to rally support from friends and family, but their indifference has been disheartening. It feels like shouting into a void, hoping someone will listen. Yet, I refuse to give up. This is a call for desperation, a plea to make #VoiceForChange and #DemandEthicalAI more than just hashtags. They need to become movements that demand action.
We must realize that AI's impact on employment is not a distant threat but an immediate crisis. It's not enough to hope that someone else will solve this problem; we all must take responsibility. Share your stories, voice your concerns, and demand that our leaders take this issue seriously. Together, we can create a future where technology enhances our lives without destroying our livelihoods.
#VoiceForChange # DemandEthicalAI
