The technologies that shape the world are rapidly evolving, from generative artificial intelligence breakthroughs to improvements in robotics and manufacturing. Although it is important to harness technological advancements, global leaders in business, science, politics and other fields should prioritize ethics, workers’ livelihood and human creativity over efficiency.
Automation can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of people and jobs.
According to a 2023 study by the McKinsey Global Institute, “activities that account for up to 30 percent of hours currently worked across the US economy could be automated—a trend accelerated by generative AI.”
In addition, the financial firm Goldman Sachs predicts that “roughly two-thirds of current jobs are exposed to some degree of AI automation, and that generative AI could substitute up to one-fourth of current work.” This trend is troubling and exemplifies the need for having a mindset that focuses on supporting workers.
As college students enter the workforce, they shouldn’t have to worry that their jobs will be obsolete in a few years. Instead, as explained in an article published by American Progress, they should be trained to understand and use technology, enhancing the students’ work—but not replacing them altogether.
Beyond the economic and job implications of new technologies, there’s also the problem of ethics. As generative AI begins to create art and writing, these platforms take away from the beauty and authenticity of human creativity.
In addition, these platforms often base their creations off of prompts made in relation to existing artwork, raising a plethora of legal and ethical questions about theft, according to a New Yorker article.
Generative AI, robots, automation and other technological innovations aren’t going away, nor should they. However, there needs to be increased regulation of these fields so that workers and artists aren’t negatively impacted.
