Iexceptional acceleration in the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and the lightning speed of its adoption by millions of people in record time, thanks in particular to ChatGPT and the launch of GPT-4, a new version released in mid- March with massive improvements, has many observers asking a burning question again: Will AI replace, displace, or create new jobs?
At the beginning of 2023, the wave of approximately 200,000 layoffs that affected the technology sector in the United States, particularly in Silicon Valley, was attributed to the global economic and geopolitical crisis, and to the over-recruitment that took place during and just after the Covid-19 pandemic. The AI was therefore out of the question.
But, by 2025, estimates the World Economic Forum, AI will replace some 85 million jobs, while 97 million new jobs would be created over the same period thanks to AI. According to the consulting firm PwCAI will be responsible for a 14% increase in North America’s gross domestic product by 2030.
Sam Altman, president of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, worries about how quickly some jobs will be replaced in the near future. A new OpenAI study published in March estimates that ChatGPT and future “generative” tools derived from it could have an impact on half of the tasks performed by approximately 19% of workers in the United States. And 80% would see at least 10% of their tasks affected by ChatGPT.
new skills
Remember, however, that the use of software tools like Excel has made the work of accountants more efficient, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks that require their specific expertise. Excel has not reduced the need for accountants, but has improved their efficiency. And the number of accountants has increased in the United States.
In reality, the widespread adoption of AI will require new technical and soft skills. Generative AI is having a visible impact in creative fields such as music, art, and writing. This creates new roles, such as AI Generated Content Specialist, AI Art Curator, and AI Music Producer. Another area requiring new skills is commercial services, particularly with chatbots [robot conversationnel en ligne] and AI-powered virtual assistants.
Generative AI is also changing the nature of existing jobs. For example, accountants can now use AI-powered systems to automate many tasks, freeing up time for other more strategic tasks. Likewise, doctors can use AI-powered systems to analyze patient data and identify potential health risks. The impact is also very significant in the legal world.
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