In recent years, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly accelerated, transforming industries and reshaping the job market. AI is now being used by an estimated 37% of businesses worldwide, and its impact continues to grow. A 2023 McKinsey report noted that 60-70% of employee workloads could be automated by Generative AI (GenAI), a powerful subset of AI. As a result, companies are reducing their reliance on human labor and turning to AI, causing some to worry about the future of work. For example, OpenAI estimates that 80% of the U.S. workforce will see at least 10% of their tasks impacted by AI models like ChatGPT.
AI has already begun replacing jobs across various sectors. In May 2023, AI was responsible for 4,000 job cuts, and more job roles are likely to be affected in the future. One writer at a tech startup, for instance, found her job replaced by ChatGPT. As AI continues to automate routine and creative tasks, including writing, coding, and even customer service, the fear of job loss is becoming a reality for many.
Examples of AI Job Replacement
AI is not just automating repetitive tasks; it’s also affecting more creative fields. Writers, coders, and even musicians have found AI encroaching on their work. A recent example includes Paul McCartney, who used AI to partially recreate the voice of John Lennon for a new song, showing how AI can assist in creative industries. Moreover, a Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute study found that 79% of women’s jobs are more susceptible to automation compared to 58% of men’s, highlighting how AI could disproportionately impact specific groups of workers.
At the same time, AI is augmenting jobs, making tasks easier and faster. While this can enhance productivity for some, it also means that the support roles surrounding these jobs may become redundant. For instance, Generative AI might automate much of a worker’s tasks, reducing the need for additional employees.