Will AI Take Your Job?
No. But it'll probably change it.
In early 2022, OpenAI, a company just seven years old, quietly introduced an AI-based image creation model called DALL-E. Within a few months, it gained widespread recognition. Then, on November 30th, 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, and from that moment, everything changed.
Now, as I write this blog in June of 2024, ChatGPT has just launched its most advanced model yet, called GPT-4o (with “o” standing for omni). This model can interpret images, listen to your voice, and even respond using a selection of voices you can choose from (notably stirring up controversy with the Scarlett Johansson-OpenAI case).
The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether their job will be replaced by AI. The quick answer is that your job likely won't be easily eliminated, and you'll probably keep it. However, it's crucial to adapt and learn to work with AI in your role, or you might find yourself falling behind.
Let's use my own experience as a prime example. For several years, I've been developing applications and software for clients at my primary employer. Before 2023, I could develop functions pretty quickly, but everything changed with the advent of AI and the release of GitHub Copilot. GitHub Copilot is an AI assistant that helps with coding and development by generating and building functions based on well-written comments in your code. As of May 2024, over 50,000 businesses, including one in every three Fortune 500 companies, have adopted GitHub Copilot.
Personally, without GitHub Copilot, my productivity would drastically decrease. This highlights how your job will evolve. Am I afraid that AI will code everything for me and make my role obsolete? No, because while AI can assist in building, it cannot conceptualize the ideas. That uniquely human step is still essential, and AI is there to help bring those concepts to life.
AI is also making significant strides in the medical field. Consider the time doctors spend reviewing X-rays and CT scans. A highly trained AI system can analyze hundreds or even thousands of these images in the time it takes a doctor to review just one or two. Additionally, AI is now being utilized in finance to detect fraud and offer more intuitive automated customer service.
The point is that you need to advance not only your understanding of your job but also how to integrate AI into the daily routines of your position. This can help you become more productive in the areas that matter most. Ultimately, we are still far from AI being able to critically think, be creative, and, most importantly, care. These uniquely human qualities are where you can grow the most in this AI-driven world.
It may seem scary, but this is an opportunity for you and your future. With AI by your side, you can become even more productive in your career and achieve the goals you've always aspired to. We're not likely to replace humans anytime soon, so keep pushing forward and make the most of these advancements!
Well written and very interesting!