Automation is not a new phenomenon but has been a part of human society for centuries. It is the process of replacing humans with machines in various tasks, often resulting in job losses. While it may seem like a modern issue, it can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution when machines started to replace human labour in factories.
The ‘Agents of Automation’ are the individuals or groups responsible for the creation and implementation of automation. They are often overlooked in discussions about the impacts of automation, but their role is critical. These agents include inventors, designers, engineers, and businesspeople who make decisions about what gets automated and how.
Automation is not an inevitable force but a choice made by these agents. They decide which jobs to automate based on a range of factors, including cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and societal acceptance. The impact of automation on workers is significant, often leading to job displacement and income inequality.
The future of automation is uncertain. While some predict a future where all jobs are automated, others argue that new jobs will emerge to replace those lost. What is clear is that the Agents of Automation will play a crucial role in shaping this future. Their decisions will determine which jobs are automated, how workers are affected, and how society adapts to these changes.
Go to source article: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/10/agents-of-automation/568795/