Navigating the Impact of AI on Human Labour: A Closer Look at Recent Developments
In our era of continual Artificial Intelligence (AI) growth, concerns about its potential impact on human labour have become increasingly prominent. While AI promises to streamline and enhance various aspects of our lives, recent cases highlight a significant shift in certain industries, posing questions about the future of human employment.
Notably, companies like Dukan, a business startup, made headlines in 2022 by replacing ninety per cent of its workforce with chatbots. Similarly, Paytm, a payment aggregator, took a bold step by laying off 1000 workers at the close of the previous year, citing the cost-effectiveness and superior efficiency of AI. Paytm asserts that integrating AI has not only met but exceeded their expectations, enabling them to potentially cut personnel costs by 10% to 15%. Unconfirmed reports even suggest that Google is contemplating laying off around 30,000 employees in favour of AI.
These instances fuel an ongoing debate on whether AI could eventually replace human resources entirely. Despite reassurances from some industrialists that AI poses no threat, the tangible examples provided above suggest a different reality. It’s crucial to acknowledge that human resources remain indispensable. Historically, when industrial organisations embraced automation, job losses occurred, but humans were still needed to operate these automated systems. The key shift lies in the fact that tasks once performed by several individuals are now accomplished by a single person.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on employment, it becomes clear that striking a balance between the benefits of AI and the continued necessity of human involvement is crucial. The conversation around AI’s role in the workforce must consider not only efficiency gains but also the broader socio-economic implications, ensuring a future where both AI and human resources coexist harmoniously
