Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads into the world of work, beyond its traditional stronghold in the tech industry. As machine learning improves, AI’s reach is extending to sectors such as transport, healthcare, and even creative industries. This expansion has the potential to make work fairer, with AI systems being free from human biases. However, there’s a risk that AI could make work more precarious, as it might lead to job displacement and increased surveillance.
AI’s potential to eliminate bias from hiring processes is significant. AI systems can be programmed to ignore factors such as race, gender, and age, focusing purely on a candidate’s skills and qualifications. Yet, these systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If the data reflects societal biases, AI systems will replicate them.
AI also has the potential to increase job insecurity. As machine learning improves, more jobs could be automated, leading to job displacement. Additionally, AI can enable more intensive surveillance of workers, which could lead to a more stressful work environment.
In conclusion, while AI has the potential to revolutionise the world of work, it also presents significant challenges. Policymakers must ensure that the benefits of AI are maximised, while the risks are minimised.
Go to source article: https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21739658-artificial-intelligence-pushes-beyond-tech-industry-work-could-become-faireror-more