AI: Supporting Our Progress, Not Replacing Our Potential
We are not heading for a dystopian future ...
Posted by Steffi Lewis on 09/02/2024 @ 8:00AM
The deeper I dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence, the more I discover normally rational individuals who fear AI. Some even loathe it and believe it will replace the human workers and create a dystopian society ...
I loves seeing these cute little delivery robots trundling around!
However, I really don't see AI as a threat, but rather a tool to support our progress and enhance our lives. With its ability to process vast amounts of data and perform complex tasks, it has the potential to revolutionise industries and drive economic growth.
"It is essential to understand that AI is not a replacement for human intelligence!"
It is designed to augment our capabilities and assist us in making better decisions. In industries such as healthcare, AI can analyse medical data and assist doctors in making accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. This not only saves time, but also improves patient outcomes.
Similarly, in the financial sector, AI can analyse market trends and assist in making informed investment decisions. This shows that AI is not meant to replace human expertise, but rather enhance it beyond our own capabilities.
There are situations where I agree that the fear of AI taking over jobs is not entirely unfounded. In the coming years, certain industries will become more and more automated, leading to a decrease in the demand for human workers.
However, this does not mean that jobs will disappear entirely. Instead, there will be a shift in the job market, with a growing demand for workers with skills in emerging technologies such as in renewable energy or even AI itself. Therefore, individuals must acquire new skills to adapt to the changing job market.
What jobs will be affected the most?
Warehousing - advances in robotics mean better organisation and quicker fulfilment
Manufacturing - entire production lines will be automated
Delivery networks - self-driving delivery vehicles and even aerial delivery by drone
Farming - with the introduction of drones and other automated machinery
And I'm sure there are many more!
The retail industry is already seeing this change thanks to the pandemic and ever-increasing bricks-and-mortar costs and the growth of online shopping has been phenomenal over the past few years. Now, the food industry is in on the game with robotic delivery of takeaways and small food purchases from superstores. We all love to see those cute little wheeled robots trundling around, but yes, they did replace a human.
However, it is not all doom and gloom in the workforce. The rise of AI will also create new job opportunities in industries that are yet to be fully explored. For example, the development and maintenance of AI systems will require a skilled workforce. This presents an opportunity for individuals to upskill and enter a new and exciting field.
Additionally, as AI technology becomes more prevalent, new industries will emerge, creating a demand for workers with specialised skills. This shows that while some jobs may become automated, there will also be a need for a growing workforce in other industries. I don't feel there is anything to worry about for the majority of workers, as long as they're prepared to reskill themselves. As time goes by though, old-school manual tasks may go the way of the dinosaurs as robotics becomes more precise and efficient.
"There will always be a demand for artisans and masters of their craft!"
Productivity will boom as businesses begin to incorporate AI into their workflows. AI can perform tasks at a much faster rate and with greater accuracy than humans, freeing up time for employees to focus on more complex and creative tasks. This is already happening for more general computer-based workflows with the introduction of Microsoft Copilot.
This will not only lead to a more efficient workforce, but also drive business growth and economic prosperity. In fact, I read a recent report by PwC which estimated that AI could contribute more than £200 billion to the UK economy by 2030. No wonder the Government wants to turn the UK into the spiritual home of Artificial Intelligence.
In the scientific community, AI is analysing vast amounts of satellite data to help us create better weather models, build lighter and stronger materials, and create more efficient green ways of working. But Artificial Intelligence can also help businesses make better decisions by analysing vast amounts of 'big data' to provide valuable insights.
"This will lead to improved customer experiences, better product development, and more effective marketing strategies!"
AI is not something to be feared, but rather embraced. I really do believe we'll end up with a world that reminds us of Bicentennial Man, which is one of my favourite Robin Williams films and I recommend it to everyone.
With the right approach, we can harness the power of AI to drive economic growth, create new job opportunities, and improve our lives. So, let's embrace the advancements in AI and use it as a tool to support our potential, not replace it.
Love, light and logic ...
STEFFI LEWIS
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Foodie, sci-fi nut, cat lover, brain aneurysm & cancer survivor, countryside dweller, SaaS entrepreneur, developer and networker.
Published my first website in 1993 for the Open University and am highly experienced with Windows Servers, SQL Server, HTML, Classic ASP, JavaScript, and CSS.
I've also worked as a professional photographer in Los Angeles, USA and been a vision mixer and producer for live television in my time.
I live in a village north of Milton Keynes with my two cats, Baggins and Gimley, and a large planted aquarium full of unruly tropical fish.
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