Will AI take your job?

AI is now surpassing humans in various skills, including understanding human emotions.

By Maria Assumpta Komugabe

Yuval Noah Harari, a historian, philosopher, author, and lecturer at the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, suggests that by 2050, machine learning and robotics will likely transform nearly every job, ranging from making yoghurt to teaching yoga.

Humans possess two main abilities: physical and cognitive. Historically, machines mainly competed with humans in physical tasks, while humans maintained a significant cognitive advantage.

Consequently, as manual jobs became automated, new service roles emerged, emphasising cognitive skills like learning, analysis, communication, and understanding human emotions, which were uniquely human.

However, AI is now surpassing humans in various skills, including understanding human emotions.

It's crucial to recognise that the AI revolution isn't solely about computers becoming faster and smarter. It's also propelled by breakthroughs in life and social sciences.

Improved understanding of the biochemical basis of human emotions, desires, and decision-making enables computers to better analyze human behavior, predict decisions, and potentially replace human workers like drivers, bankers, and lawyers.

Over the past few decades, research in neuroscience and behavioral economics has allowed scientists to gain insights into human decision-making processes.

Our decisions are not governed by mysterious free will but rather by neural computations happening within split seconds. Skilled professionals rely on recognizing patterns rather than mystical intuition.

AI excels in jobs requiring intuition about others, such as driving among pedestrians, lending money, or negotiating deals. These roles involve accurately assessing others' emotions and desires.

While it once seemed impossible for computers to understand the human spirit, if emotions and desires are indeed biochemical algorithms, computers could decipher them far more effectively than humans.

Professionals like drivers, bankers, and lawyers don't rely on witchcraft but unconsciously recognize biochemical patterns through analyzing cues like facial expressions and body language.

AI equipped with the right sensors could perform these tasks more accurately and reliably than humans.

Therefore, the threat of job loss stems not only from Infotech but also from Biotech. Discoveries about brain functions could enable computers to outperform human professionals like psychiatrists and bodyguards by 2050.

AI possesses crucial abilities like connectivity and updatability. Unlike humans, computers can easily integrate into flexible networks. Rather than replacing individual workers with individual robots, an integrated network might replace individual humans.

When considering automation, comparing the abilities of a single human worker to those of a single self-driving car or AI doctor is misleading. Instead, we should compare the collective abilities of humans to those of an integrated network.

For example, many human drivers struggle with changing traffic regulations and miscommunicate at intersections, leading to collisions. In contrast, self-driving cars can communicate with each other, reducing miscommunication and collisions.

They operate as part of a single algorithm, making updates easy and ensuring adherence to new regulations.

In summary, humans must adapt by focusing on skills that complement AI, embracing lifelong learning, collaborating with AI, and considering ethical implications.

The future isn't about humans versus robots but about humans working alongside AI in an integrated network.

In this evolving landscape where AI and machines are taking on more tasks, humans need to adapt by focusing on skills and roles that complement and leverage the strengths of AI rather than competing directly with it.

Collaborate with AI

Instead of seeing AI as a threat, learn to work alongside it. Understand how to use AI tools and technologies to enhance your productivity and effectiveness in your job.

Collaborate on projects where AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on higher-level decision-making.

Develop skills AI can't easily replicate

Focus on skills that require creativity, emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking. These are areas where humans still have an edge over AI. Jobs in creative industries, caregiving, counseling, and complex problem-solving are examples.

Continuous learning and upskilling

Invest in lifelong learning to stay relevant in the job market. Acquire skills in areas where AI might not fully replace human input, such as leadership, innovation, and strategic decision-making. Stay updated on emerging technologies and adapt accordingly.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

Explore entrepreneurial opportunities by identifying gaps where human touch is still essential. Start ventures that leverage AI and technology to solve complex problems or improve efficiency in various industries.

Adaptability and resilience

Be open to change and embrace uncertainty. Develop resilience to navigate through career transitions and industry disruptions. Stay agile and adaptable in response to evolving job roles and market demands.

Ethical considerations

As AI becomes more prevalent, there will be ethical implications to consider. Advocate for responsible AI development and usage, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems.

Community and social engagement

Focus on roles that involve human connection, community building, and social impact. Jobs in education, healthcare, social work, and community development are areas where human interaction and empathy are irreplaceable.

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Maria Assumpta Komugabe is a Ugandan passionate about digital communication