Mr. Artificial Intelligence (AI); Are you replacing human beings?

By: Dr. Muhammad Rafiq

The debate surrounding AI's potential impact on the job market remains unresolved due to
conflicting opinions among experts in the field. While some argue that AI is displacing human labor
and leading to increased unemployment, proponents of the technology counter that it is actually
creating new opportunities.

Philosophers and scholars have engaged in extensive debates regarding the influence of AI on the job
market, yet a consensus has not been reached. Concerns have been raised about the eventual
replacement of human workers by artificial intelligence (AI), which would have negative
repercussions on the economy. Advocates of this view contend that as AI systems advance, they will
progressively automate various human tasks, rendering certain occupations obsolete.

On the other hand, there are many who argue that artificial intelligence not only poses a threat to
jobs but also drives novel possibilities. They suggest that as AI technologies develop, they have the
potential to enhance productivity, expand human capabilities, and tap into previously unexplored
areas of the economy. According to this theory, AI should be employed to automate mundane and
repetitive tasks, thereby enabling individuals to focus on more engaging, innovative, and significant
aspects of their work.

The question of how artificial intelligence affects the labor market is complex and multifaceted.
Numerous factors, including evolving technologies, societal adjustments, and legislative responses,
influence the nature of AI's impact on employment. While AI can potentially replace workers in
specific industries, it also holds the potential to generate employment opportunities in emerging
fields such as AI research and development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more.

Promoting ongoing discussions, encouraging research, and emphasizing the importance of

continuous upskilling and reskilling are crucial in navigating this intricate landscape and preparing
individuals to confront the challenges of a changing labor market while seizing the opportunities
presented by AI's transformative potential. It's worth noting that in 2013, Frey and Osborne
published an extensively cited analysis predicting that nearly half (47%) of US employment was at
high risk of automation in the coming decades. However, it is important to consider these projections
with caution, as the actual impact may vary depending on technological and sociological
developments, as well as the emergence of new job opportunities.

AI and automation have the potential to automate repetitive and routine processes in various
sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and customer service. Occupations such as
manufacturing and assembly line workers, customer service representatives, content writers and
proofreaders, truck drivers and shipping clerks, day traders and portfolio managers, and many more
are at risk. However, it is important to note that while certain jobs may be lost due to automation, AI
can also provide assistance in numerous ways, such as improving skills, enhancing productivity, and
opening up new career paths in fields like data analysis, cybersecurity, and more.

Given that humans are the creators of AI models, it is logical to focus our efforts on honing our skills,
fostering our abilities, and pursuing innovative ideas. While there have been instances of job losses,
it is important to note that numerous new employment opportunities have emerged as a direct
consequence. We should leverage this situation to optimize output and enhance productivity.
Profile: Dr. Muhammad Rafiq is an Associate Professor and Manager Training & Development (ID-92,
an Incubation Centre) in Superior University. He has done his PhD in Enterprise Management from
North China Electric Power University (NCEPU) at China. He has studied at university of Cumbria, UK.
He has eight years working experience at UK and Pakistan. His expertise lies in the subjects of human
resource management, organizational behavior, principles of management, entrepreneurship with
more than twenty research publications in Impact Factor (IF) journals.