The concept of artificial intelligence in the workforce is often framed through a simplistic standpoint of “human versus machine.” However, I believe what many fail to understand is that AI is far too complex to be generalized as being inherently against humans.
As the use of AI becomes increasingly integrated into various work environments, the blurring lines between human intelligence and technological capabilities raise more and more questions regarding the ethics behind it. Despite popular belief, AI hasn’t led to significant job displacement; rather, it has improved efficiency within companies.
While there are many concerns about AI dominating certain fields, such as transportation or customer service, the medical industry offers a perfect example of balanced cooperation between AI and humans. Currently, doctors leverage AI-based technology to assist in making diagnoses, predictions, and transcribing medical documents, all of which significantly improve efficiency within clinics and hospitals.
Dermatologists use AI to classify skin cancers more effectively and swiftly. Moreover, AI technology provides 24-hour assistance for scheduling purposes or providing answers to drug-related questions. Despite its rapid development, AI’s capabilities have not yet surpassed those of doctors or nurses. Whereas the use of AI may displace jobs in other fields, I think its integration in the medical industry maintains current jobs while enhancing productivity in workplaces.
As for the integration of AI in the corporate world, applications of AI in this field seem far less prominent. Beyond its assistance in identifying patterns for data analysis, AI is primarily used for customer service or
marketing purposes. While AI can provide constant assistance for customers, it lacks a lot of the empathy or adaptation skills that human workers have. Like the medical industry, AI in the corporate field is still most notably used as an assistant for data analysts — it isn’t advanced enough in its current state to work with full autonomy in these roles.
In the manufacturing industry, AI is used in several roles, including equipment maintenance and the management of assembly lines. Because the usage of AI in these instances emphasizes the importance of efficiency in the manufacturing processes, it improves existing jobs while also creating new opportunities for AI engineers and programmers.
Lastly, the development of AI has taken a prominent role in the tech field. As it has continued to grow, software engineers have incorporated AI technology into developing even more advanced machinery and software.
Rather than displacing current jobs, AI has opened a window for new occupations and shifted our focus toward using this new technology in the best way possible.
