AI Fears for Young Workers as “Better, Cheaper, Faster” Trumps Breakthrough Thinking
A stark warning has been sounded by business school dean Professor Jeff DeGraff, who claims that artificial intelligence will eliminate many jobs for young people, even as it leads to innovation breakthroughs.
The future might be looking bright for those with the skills to develop and implement AI, but for those at the bottom rungs of the ladder, it’s a dire outlook. According to DeGraff, AI is rapidly changing the landscape of work in favour of efficiency over creativity – “better, cheaper, faster” over “breakthrough thinking”.
AI has made tremendous progress in automating routine tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on high-value tasks and innovation. But DeGraff argues that the emphasis on cost-cutting and productivity has led to a “short end of the stick” for young workers, who are already facing a challenging job market.
The Skills Gap
The jobs that are being prioritized are those that are most easily automatable, leaving many young workers with skills that are no longer in demand. DeGraff notes that while AI has created new opportunities for innovation, it has also exacerbated the skills gap between those who have the skills to work with AI and those who don’t.
The education system is struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change, and DeGraff warns that unless we act to address the skills gap, young workers will be left behind. “We’re not preparing our young people for this future,” he says.
Breaking the Cycle
So, what can be done to break the cycle of job displacement and innovation? DeGraff suggests that education systems need to prioritize teaching skills that are complementary to AI, such as creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving.
By focusing on these skills, young workers can position themselves for success in an AI-driven economy, rather than being left behind. As DeGraff puts it, “We’ve got to get our young people ready to be the leaders in this new economy, not just the workers.”
What This Means
The transition to an AI-driven economy will be fraught with challenges, but it’s not all doom and gloom. By acknowledging the potential for job displacement and prioritizing education and training, we can create a better future for young workers and ensure that they are equipped to thrive in a world of rapid change.
