AI i.e. Artificial Intelligence, is the technology that enables machines to think, understand and take decisions. In the last few years, AI has brought revolutionary changes in the technological world. While on one hand it is making the lives of humans easier, on the other hand this question is also being raised again and again – has AI become a threat to our employment i.e. jobs?
In this article, we will understand in detail how AI is affecting jobs, in which areas its impact is more, and whether it means that humans will lose their jobs or new job opportunities will also be created.
AI and Automation – The First Setback
The first and biggest impact of AI was seen in automation. Many big industries have started incorporating robots and automated machines in factories and manufacturing units. Where earlier 10 people used to work on an assembly line, now 2 people and 8 machines are seen there.
This has had a direct impact on manual and repetitive jobs – such as packing, screw fitting, data entry, cash counters, etc. For example, self-checkout kiosks have now been installed in malls, where customers can scan and pay themselves – no cashier is needed.
AI penetration in the service industry
AI is not limited to factories only, now it has rapidly entered the service sector as well. In banking, AI-based chatbots are answering customer queries, in healthcare, medical images are being reported by AI, and in education, children are being tutored by AI tools.
Many companies have started using chatbots and virtual assistants instead of humans in customer care support. On one hand, this provides 24×7 support to the customer, but on the other hand, the jobs of those working in call centers are in danger.
But is every job in danger?
No, not at all. It is true that some types of jobs, which are repetitive and predictable, may be reduced due to AI. But there are some jobs that AI cannot do completely – such as creative jobs (writing, painting, film making), judgment-based professions (judges, doctors, counselors), and work based on direct communication with people (teaching, sales, management).
AI can only do work that is data-based and process-driven in a better way. Things like human thinking power, emotional understanding, and social behavior are still far ahead of machines.
New opportunities related to AI
While on the one hand some jobs have been in danger, on the other hand AI has also created new opportunities. Now new profiles like data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI researcher, prompt engineer, NLP expert have emerged which are in great demand.
Similarly, for those who are in traditional fields (such as marketing, content writing, editing), AI tools are like a support, which can make their work easier and better. That is, AI can be seen as a partner rather than a threat – provided we learn to adopt it.
India and AI
The influence of AI is gradually increasing in India. The government is also running programs like “AI for All” so that citizens are aware of AI and can use it. Startups, education platforms, healthcare sector – AI has started making its place everywhere.
But in a country like India where a large population lives in rural areas, the risk of being affected by AI is a little less because there is still a lot of manual work there. But changes are definitely being seen in urban and technology-based jobs.
What should we do?
Instead of being afraid of AI, we should keep pace with it. We have to keep updating our skills. “Reskilling” and “Upskilling” are the biggest needs of today. We have to understand that the jobs of the future will be linked to technology.
Schools and colleges should include AI-related courses in their curriculum so that the coming generation can be prepared. Similarly, working professionals should keep themselves updated through online courses, training and seminars.
Conclusion
AI technology has impacted jobs – this is true. But it is not completely negative. It is a change – like every technological change. History is witness that whenever a new technology has come, old jobs have been lost, but new and better jobs have also come.
The same is the case with AI – if we can adapt ourselves in time, then it can prove to be a boon for us. We need the right thinking, the right skills and the right attitude.
“Don’t be afraid of AI, know it, understand it and use it – only then will you be able to succeed in the future.”
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