How AI is creating a new divide among knowledge workers
AI is transforming the world of work and creating new opportunities and challenges for knowledge workers, who are professionals that use data, information, and expertise to perform complex tasks. AI can augment human intelligence and creativity by generating novel hypotheses, insights, and solutions that human scientists have not thought of. But AI can also pose ethical and social risks, such as bias, discrimination, privacy, accountability, and human dignity.
According to a recent research report by the World Economic Forum, AI could create a world of haves and have-nots, where some people enjoy the fruits of AI while others are left behind. The report argues that AI will have a profound impact on the future of work, especially for knowledge workers who rely on cognitive skills and creativity. The report suggests that workers who adopt AI tools and learn new skills will have a competitive advantage over those who do not, as AI will enable them to work faster, smarter, and more effectively.
The report cites several examples of how AI is enhancing the productivity and innovation of knowledge workers in various domains, such as science, art, journalism, and education. For instance, AI can help scientists discover new things that they don’t know they don’t know. It can expand the boundaries of human knowledge and creativity. As Anil Ananthaswamy, a science writer and author, writes in Scientific American: “AI can help us generate hypotheses that human scientists have not thought of.”
Similarly, AI can help artists create new forms of expression and communication. It can also help journalists generate high-quality content and insights from large amounts of data. And it can help educators personalize learning and assessment for students.
However, the report also warns that AI could widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, as some workers may benefit more from AI than others, depending on their education, occupation, income, and location. The report calls for policies and regulations to ensure that AI is inclusive and fair, and that everyone has access to its benefits.
As Ben Dickson, a software engineer and tech journalist, writes in VentureBeat: “AI is not a magic bullet that will solve all our problems. It is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. We need to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI, and ensure that it is aligned with our values and goals.”
The report also urges knowledge workers to embrace AI as a partner rather than a competitor. It advises them to develop new skills and mindsets that complement AI’s capabilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence.
As Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson, authors of Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI, write in Harvard Business Review: “AI is not just another technology. It is a general-purpose technology that will fundamentally change how we work and live.”
And as Meredith Somers, a writer and editor at MIT Sloan School of Management, writes in MIT Sloan Ideas Made to Matter: “The future of AI is the future of work. And the future of work is about people — not machines.”
Relevant articles:
- New research suggests AI is about to create ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ among knowledge workers. Those who adopt AI, and avoid some pitfalls, will start pulling far ahead of those that do not., r/Futurology, September 18, 2023.
- AI: How could it soon affect artists and knowledge workers?, World Economic Forum, January 20, 2023.
- How Generative AI Increases The Productivity of Knowledge Workers, Unite.AI, March 2, 2023.
- Artificial Intelligence and Employment, OECD, March 8, 2023.
Originally published at https://trendydigests.com on September 18, 2023.
I am a tech writer for Trendy Digests, a website that provides insightful and informative content in various fields. I write about topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and more. I also often share great articles written by other Trendy Digest editors on Medium.
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