ChatGPT could put your job at risk: US study, AI experts warn of new fear
Despite the excitement surrounding AI technologies such as ChatGPT, whose fourth-generation major language model GPT4 is expected to be released next week, the debate about the emerging technology’s threats to today’s job market seems to be swept under the rug.
On the one hand, proponents continue to argue that automation, artificial intelligence, or any technology will not replace human labor but create more jobs and opportunities, the other side seems to disagree.
The UN had mentioned that of the 270 occupations recorded in the 1950 US census, only the position of elevator operator had been replaced by technology. But as the world becomes more and more technology-based, so does the fear of being replaced by cutting-edge technology.
ResumeBuilder.com, in a survey of 1,000 US companies, found that 49% of companies currently use ChatGPT, while 30% plan to.
It also found that 48% of companies using ChatGPT reported replacing employees, while 25% of companies revealed that they have already saved more than $75,000 after using an AI chatbot.
A study conducted in February showed that companies mostly use AI chatbots for coding, texting, customer support and more.
Some other experts support the fact that technologies like ChatGPT are affecting the job market. One of them is AI researcher and computer scientist Rajeev Malhotra, who said in the past he had criticized many consultants who convinced the public that AI would create more jobs, “but that’s not the case.”
Malhotra talked about algorithms that read X-rays and can diagnose problems much better and even detect a tumor. Likewise, machines recognize faces better than humans.
“Obviously you’re replacing people, there’s no doubt about that. Now you’re also creating jobs, but you’re creating a different kind of job – very high-skilled work. So maybe Bengaluru can expand the economy, bring more jobs, but some may lose because their operations are very labor-intensive “, he told Return Byte.
He believes that social and economic policies are needed for concerned people. He added that there are movements called AI ethics and a counter-vote for responsible AI.
“Some countries are trying to make laws that if you introduce AI that eliminated a certain number of jobs, it’s your responsibility to train those people and get them some other job. You can’t just throw them away,” he added.
Meanwhile, Priya Ranjan Panigrahy, founder and CEO of Ceptes, believes that ChatGPT is a revolutionary technology.
He also admitted that the concern about AI chatbots taking over human tasks is justified. According to Panigrahy, while it can increase productivity and efficiency, it can also displace jobs, especially in low-skilled industries.
“This can have a serious impact on individuals and communities, especially in countries where job security and social safety nets are weak,” he noted.
However, Panigrahy told Return Byte: “I think the impact of AI on job security may not be as significant as we think. Certain jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence and human interaction are unlikely to be automated. These include healthcare, education, social services and art jobs.
“While it is inevitable that technology will eventually replace some jobs, that is unlikely to happen anytime soon,” he warned.
He believes that to address job displacement concerns, it is critical to invest in training programs that help workers adapt to changing markets and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably.
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