PAPER 2: PLANNING TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT

OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Victoria Hernandez
OGL 340: Artificial Intelligence: The Human Side
Bill Erwin
02/22/2023

Total Word Count: 1547 words

 PAPER 2: PLANNING TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF AI

Addressing the Economic/Political AI Issues

In my previous paper “The Analysis and Interpretation of the Impact of Artificial

Intelligence” I identified several issues in considering both positive and negative impacts of this

technology existing and advancing further. In assessing the economic and political issues

associated with artificial intelligence, I’ve conducted an organizational plan to secure my career

and personal development in life. Below is a breakdown of the economic and political impacts

brought on by Artificial Intelligence. The first to mention is the growing fear of automation. This

“automation” is said to replace routine jobs, but also will inevitably create jobs. Additionally,

the widespread use of data that is collected feeds the A.I engine and enables the technology to

engage in “deep learning” at an accelerated rate. When I think of my current career and how

the progression of this technology will pose an obstacle in my future, I will consider this plan of

action:

My Organization Plan

Currently I am employed by The Starbucks Coffee Company. I am a store manager and

essentially “run” the day-to-day operations of this coffee business. Does automation threaten

the current state of my employment? I’d hope not. Arguably, a machine could make you a cup

of coffee and some form of a self-checkout experience would then follow. Could robots replace

my staff? Could robots replace me? I’ve honestly never considered this thought in depth until

taking this course. The thought of my current world to shift as artificial intelligence continues to
grow and change how we live, scares me. Starbucks is known worldwide for their coffee and for

the experience they offer to their customer base. It’s the social component that keeps

customers coming back, they love interacting with people at the store level especially when the

service exudes excellent hospitality. Person to person interactions cannot be replicated by a

machine and that connection that is created is what keeps customers coming back. Conversely,

a negative experience can leave a bitter taste in a customer’s mouth and a machine could

effectively eliminate the unpredictability of human behavior. Can this service be programmed

and mimicked by an A.I robot or point-of-sale machine? Arguably, yes. I’ll now say that my

responsibility as a store leader is to uphold this operational excellence and ensure that my staff

is creating the Starbucks experience. I not only manage operations; I manage people and all

that comes with it. The emotional intelligence of a manager at this level cannot be replicated by

this technology just yet, but does that mean I’m safe? Only time will tell, but I am comforted by

my decision to grow in leadership. The career path I have chosen to pursue won’t be

immediately affected by artificial intelligence, although, it affects society which will in turn

affect the entire outcome.

My Personal Plan

Personally, the data retrieval process used by most internet technology these days is

what frightens me more than the automation process. Have you noticed the suggestive ads that

auto populate on your devices? Technology continues to learn about us, our habits, behaviors,

likes and dislikes. We feed it more information about our existence due to our growing

dependency of it. From deduction, these devices suggest products that we never knew we

wanted, or maybe needed from how impressively it grabs our attention. Smart homes, smart
cars and in home devices that consistently pick up our voice commands are only the beginning.

When this shift in our values changed I actually noticed a sociological impact that this

technology had on us. People now spend time glued to their phones and limit the time they

interact face to face. Even time intentionally spent with people is tainted by checking media

feeds. In fact, a new term “phubbing” was created to signify the “phone snubbing” that occurs

in social situations. This is changing the way we communicate. In noticing this, I have chosen to

spend less time on social media platforms. I limit my phone usage and have shifted in the

content that I surround myself with. I take moments throughout the day to reflect and stay

grounded in mindfulness. I have always been one to adapt and I hope that I can stay strong as

life throws more change in everyone’s direction. The right mindset will be key to this new

adaptation.

Addressing the Sociological AI Issues

My Organization Plan

Socially, the Starbucks Coffee organization creates an environment for employees and

customers to thrive in. Through sharing a passion for coffee and making an impact in someone’s

day we coexist in harmony. The work that we do is more impactful than it seems. I employ a

diverse team of people who love coming to work to connect with each other and their

community. Consider the level of engagement that the workplace demands of my staff. They

are present in the moment, and they are creating a social experience. Some employees and

even customers love this getaway from life. It’s essential to their day. In a world lacking

personal interactions, people crave authentic human connection. As a leader I challenge myself

to be attentive to the customer service experience my store creates. Through this consistency
and hospitality, I hope to secure our jobs as a whole and to develop in my leadership approach.

No one is safe from the sociological impact of artificial intelligence, but we can prolong the

process with intentionality.

My Personal Plan

Personally, I am intentional in avoiding the exposure to the developing technology that

causes a negative social impact. I limit the time spent on social media platforms and continue to

not “accept the cookies”. I surround myself with friendships and community so that I can grow

in emotional intelligence and genuine connections. Technology will not consume me in

detaching from myself. Socially, I want to maintain a high level of interpersonal skills because

they make me more of a well-rounded leader.

Addressing the Psychological AI Issues

My Organization Plan

When connecting my organization to the psychological issues that artificial intelligence

poses to bring, the first example that comes to mind is during the COVID-19 pandemic. The

world experienced change so suddenly and it took an emotional toll on people. Statistics show

that during the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression increased by 25 percent (Brunier &

Drysdale, 2022). The quarantine restrictions limited and hindered social interactions

everywhere. For Starbucks employees the business dynamics changed drastically. The social

“connections” we were so used to now became a potential life-threatening risk. The effects of

keeping others at a distance and keeping most communication via the internet psychologically

changed the way we respond to one another. Upon reaching an endemic phase, and following
the release of vaccines, there was still a hesitancy to return to the workforce. This left several

businesses understaffed and overworked. What kind of customer service do you think this

results in? The mindset of the “employed” in our current society has shifted. The realization of

this has changed how I choose to lead my team. They need more from their leaders, and we

have a responsibility to make even the smallest impact.

My Personal Plan

Personally, I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I make it my internal purpose to show

up as my best self in order to support my team. Psychologically and emotionally my position

holds a lot of weight in setting the tone for a healthy work environment. Adapting to change is a

must in order to manage the people and manage the business. Unfortunately post pandemic

has created a more difficult customer base. Customers are less patient and more irritable. With

rising costs of living and the weight of problems nationwide there is a negativity that lingers in

the customer service scope. Being in the hospitality business I find it critical to lead by example.

My business will only flourish and profit if I continue to prioritize this in my management

approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my action plan to address the various impacts artificial intelligence will

have on my career path and on my personal life is only the beginning in raising awareness

regarding this issue. It’s pertinent to remember that AI has positive and negative influences that

need to be assessed to understand the subject in depth. “Knowledge is power,” the more we

seek the unknown, and share this knowledge with others the more powerful and united we as
humans, become. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. We need to prepare ourselves to

grow in coexisting with artificial technology. This technology has already shaped the way we

interact. The demand and use of this technology will not fade. Planning to stay informed and

prepared will allow society to pivot.

 References

Brunier, A., & Drysdale, C. (2022, March 2). Covid-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in
prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. World Health Organization. Retrieved
February 8, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-
triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide

Lee, K.-F. (2021). Ai Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order. Mariner
Books.

Rolfe, K. (2020, November 27). Widespread use of AI could spur mental-health challenges.
Benefits Canada.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from