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Navigating the Future: AI's Impact on Jobs and Humanity

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Chapter 1: The Dystopian Beginnings of AI

My first exposure to artificial intelligence painted it as a harbinger of doom, suggesting that we are crafting our own downfall. This notion was likely influenced by a Filipino-dubbed film that portrayed a grim future, leading me to believe that humanity's greed would ultimately result in widespread suffering.

At this moment in time, we find ourselves in a transitional phase, where our confidence in the future is less than 10%, while over 90% of our thoughts are clouded by uncertainty. This anxiety manifests as questions like: Will we survive? When will we face our fates? What does this mean for our jobs?

What about my job?

As a member of Gen Z on the brink of entering the workforce, I can attest to the shared unease among my peers, although it often goes unspoken. The current focus revolves around perfecting our resumes, searching for our identities, and confronting the looming shadow of AI. Corporations are increasingly fixated on artificial intelligence, inevitably affecting confused young adults trying to find their footing in this evolving landscape.

Beginners are seen as prime targets—often lacking experience and yet to navigate the complexities of office dynamics. It seems inevitable that AI will challenge younger entrants into the job market. However, this perspective may not fully capture the reality.

While browsing the vastness of the internet, I stumbled upon a fascinating notion: AI may actually find it easier to tackle complex human ideas than to replicate our instinctive behaviors. This resonates with me since AI operates on mathematical principles. Mathematics serves as the foundation for understanding how things function, which poses challenges for activities like breathing that we have yet to quantify adequately.

What does this imply for our professional lives?

The implications are numerous. Jamie Dimon, for instance, has expressed concerns about AI in the hands of the wrong individuals. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform human resource management. In an interview, he suggested that the answer lies in redeployment.

Redeployment where? While he didn't provide specifics, the solution may reside in the unique qualities of human labor that often go unappreciated: the human touch. Looking at this optimistically, perhaps AI, rather than displacing human workers, could enhance our capabilities, sharpening the skills we've dulled by trying to emulate machines.

It’s akin to a shounen anime storyline, where the protagonist discovers their true self through conflict. But this time, the stakes are far more profound.

In essence, I wonder: could the future be more promising than we anticipate?

It’s a challenging thought given the turmoil in various regions around the globe. Yet, one certainty remains: the advancement of AI is relentless. Unless a global intervention renders our technologies obsolete, the major investors in AI will relentlessly pursue the future they envision.

With billions of dollars on the line—enough to support an entire nation—we are witnessing waves of transformation. The choices before us are clear: resist or embrace this change. Personally, I am uncertain which path is preferable, but I do recognize that the corporate landscape will be dramatically altered, and our humanity might just be our greatest asset.

After all, if you still desire that 9-to-5 job, this could be crucial.

In the first video, "AI Will Take Billions of Jobs by 2030: How Can You Get Ready?", experts discuss the looming threat of AI on employment and offer strategies for adaptation.

The second video, "I Asked Tech Employees if they think AI will replace their Jobs," provides insights from tech workers on their perspectives regarding AI's impact on their roles.