We Don’t Have to Use Every Technology
The phrase we don’t have to use every technology lingered in my mind as I discussed AI’s impact on jobs with another friend.
I received distressing news a few days ago when a close friend, a talented video editor, informed me that he had been laid off from his job due to downsizing. While we were discussing, my boss called and informed me that our company was downsizing as well, but luckily, I was spared.
Even though I was grateful for my continued employment, I couldn’t shake the anxiety that accompanied the news.
I began conversing with acquaintances in the tech and creative industries and researched more. We all heard of the mass layoffs of 2022 in the US, especially in the pharmaceutical, technology, and entertainment sectors.
According to some reports like TrueScoop, the primary causes for mass layoffs in the United States in 2022 were slower corporate growth, rising labour prices, pandemic boom, over-hiring during the epidemic, recession dread, and inflation. This wave of layoffs has just gotten to Nigeria.
The Impact of AI on Jobs
But the truth is that the 2023 layoffs in Nigeria are also catalysed by the emergence of AI tools that these companies believe to be a cheaper and more efficient alternative. How did I come to this conclusion?
Very simple! Jobs that have not experienced major layoffs thus far are the least vulnerable to AI intrusion. These vocations mostly in the health care and education sectors, necessitate a particular type of human complexity and adaptability that artificial intelligence cannot mimic.
Surprisingly, jobs loss connected to AI automation started long before 2022 or 2023.
It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact moment when AI began displacing jobs, but various sources suggest that it has occurred for decades and will persist. According to a Forbes analysis, between 2004 and 2009, almost 7 million Americans lost their employment due to automation (one of the seven horsemen of AI).
Predictions indicate that by the mid-2030s, up to one-third of all jobs could be at risk of becoming automated. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs research reveals that AI might replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time employment in the United States and Europe by 2030.
Then I remembered a social media post I had seen earlier that day, advertising an AI tool capable of creating high-quality product advertisements in seconds, using just uploaded images and scene descriptions. The post proudly proclaimed it cheaper than hiring studios — much like the one my friend had worked for as a video editor.
This trend extends beyond the tech and creative industry, affecting many jobs across various sectors. The phrase we don’t have to use every technology lingered in my mind as I discussed AI’s impact on jobs with another friend. He referred to the Tucker Carlson interview on the Ben Shapiro Show from 4 years ago, where they delved into the social impact of rapid technological advancements and the government’s role in the economy, as described in Carlson’s book “Ship of Fools.”
During the interview, one of the points Tucker Carlson expressed concern about was the potential loss of around 500,000 jobs in the truck-driving occupation due to the creation of self-driving trucks. Highlighting that driving is the most common job for high school graduates in America, he argued for government intervention to save these jobs.
Eliminating these jobs would be economically unsustainable, destabilizing thousands of households and rippling down to various socio-cultural aspects of the country.
The Need for Responsible AI Development
This brings me to a truth I need us to confront, and it has often been overshadowed by the excitement surrounding the latest wave of AI technology. Do we truly need to embrace all these technologies? Especially without first considering the actual costs to human lives, socially and economically.
History has shown that technological advancements have displaced human labour before, leading to significant shifts in societies and economies.
From the Agricultural Revolution, which transformed nomadic societies into settled farming communities with specialized labour, to the Industrial Revolution, which mechanized industries and led to urbanization and labour movements to address exploitation — each wave brought its challenges and consequences.
The Information Age, marked by the digital revolution, computers, and the internet, revolutionized communication and commerce. And now, we find ourselves in the AI and Automation Revolution, where the potential disruption to jobs is immense.
However, it also allows us to reskill the workforce and emphasize responsible, ethical AI development. But how do we get there, or whose job is to ensure a smooth transition to the other side of the AI and Automation Revolution?
Challenges in Nigeria
Let’s take a closer look at the Nigerian context again. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation presents significant socio-economic challenges for Nigeria. Administrative and clerical jobs, graphic designing, writing, editing, accounting, social media management, and information processing are among the most vulnerable to AI displacement.
I have yet to find or conduct research on the number of working-class Nigerians affected by AI disruption, but I bet 7 of every 10 working Nigerian youth you know are at risk.
This disruption has far-reaching implications for individuals, families, communities, and the overall economy. Many Nigerians may face financial insecurity and increased poverty due to the sudden loss of stable jobs.
The creative industry could suffer as AI-standardized outputs risk diluting the unique cultural identity of Nigerian art and literature. Moreover, the financial sector will continue to experience a talent drain exuberating the banking issues we are yet to recover from over the last year.
Collective Responsibility
The timeless wisdom of John F. Kennedy’s quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” rings true in the face of the socio-economic challenges posed by the AI and automation revolution in Nigeria.
As we navigate this wave of technological change, the responsibility for a smooth transition lies not only with the government and policies but also with companies and corporations. Embracing the spirit of collective responsibility, everyone must play their part in ensuring that technological progress benefits society.
Companies play a crucial role in navigating this new wave of technology, as they wield significant power in shaping the job landscape. It is vital to prioritize the human factor and creativity, ensuring that technology remains a tool rather than an end.
Reskilling and upskilling employees to adapt to the changing technological landscape can promote a smooth transition while safeguarding jobs and fostering innovation.
While governments play a role in setting policies, bureaucratic responses often lag behind technological advancements. Companies must proactively invest in retraining and upskilling programs for their employees to remain competitive in the changing job landscape.
By integrating AI into existing roles and augmenting human abilities, businesses can enhance productivity and create new opportunities for growth. Diversifying into emerging sectors can foster innovation and new employment avenues within Nigeria’s economy.
Collaborative efforts with educational institutions and the government can ensure the next generation is prepared for the evolving job market, promoting lifelong learning and technological progress that benefits society.
Balancing Technology and Humanity
Let us learn from history and recognize that technology should serve humanity’s betterment, not solely for the sake of profit or efficiency. Through a thoughtful and responsible approach, we can harness the potential of AI and automation while preserving the dignity of work and promoting the prosperity of our society.
Remember, the responsibility lies not only on the government but also on companies to ensure a harmonious coexistence between technology and humanity, where the human spirit thrives alongside technological progress.
Read the next article AI and Automation: A Threat or an Opportunity for Nigeria? The article explores AI’s Impact on Nigeria’s Workforce. Discover the risks and opportunities for skill development in the face of technological change.
I trust that you have found this article to be helpful and informative. If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. I am eager to hear your opinions! And if you want to read more articles like this, please follow my medium page @debralawal. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
References
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