AI Disruption Looms: Sorbonne Research Highlights Job Displacement Risks Amidst Industry Optimism
A new study from Sorbonne University researchers is adding to the growing debate surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market, revealing potential areas of job displacement while acknowledging the inherent difficulty in predicting the full scope of AI’s influence. The research comes as tech leaders offer conflicting assessments, with some predicting net job creation and others warning of notable losses.
The Sorbonne team’s report cautions that its findings are a “momentary photo” and don’t account for the unpredictable effects of emerging business technologies. This echoes past precedents, such as the introduction of ATMs.While initially automating bank teller functions, ATMs ultimately led to an *increase* in banking employment as institutions expanded branch networks and employees shifted towards customer relationship management. This illustrates the potential for AI to reshape, rather than simply eliminate, roles.
Despite this historical context, the study highlights a growing divergence in perspectives. Many technology companies maintain that generative AI will spur the creation of novel job categories.However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently issued a stark warning, stating that entire job categories, particularly in customer service, are at risk of “disappearing fully.” This sentiment is shared by Elija Clark, CEO of a firm advising companies on AI implementation, who openly admitted to Gizmodo that he has already terminated employees due to AI adoption, expressing excitement about the resulting efficiencies.
The report emphasizes the need for ongoing research to understand how work will evolve. specifically, researchers point to the importance of identifying the types of new jobs that will emerge and how existing roles will be restructured. The study notes that accurately assessing AI’s applicability to various tasks is a continuous process, requiring constant updates to our understanding of workplace activities.
The Sorbonne research doesn’t specify *which* roles are most vulnerable beyond customer service, but industry analysis suggests potential impacts in data entry, basic coding, and certain administrative functions. A recent report by McKinsey Global Institute estimates that AI could automate activities that account for up to 30% of all working hours globally by 2030, possibly displacing 400 to 800 million workers.However, McKinsey also predicts that AI will create new jobs, though the skills required for these positions may differ significantly from those currently held by displaced workers.
The researchers conclude that continuous monitoring and adaptation are crucial as generative AI continues to reshape the future of work. Further investigation is needed to navigate the complex interplay between technological advancement and the evolving labor market.
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