Everybody’s talking about how AI threatens the workforce, but companies are now acting on the same fear. Tech conglomerate IBM has planned to replace 7,800 jobs with AI. CEO Arvind Krishna announced the news, who confirmed that hiring in the company is now frozen.
Over the coming years, the CEO claimed that this transition move can be expected over the coming years. He reportedly informed Bloomberg that around 30% of non-customer-facing roles could be replaced by AI and automation within five years.
In January, the tech giant announced that it would cut off 3,800 jobs. After the generative era witnessed a boom, many big companies in the industry have witnessed layoffs in the recent years. Thousands of employees have been laid off employees even from senior management, which includes big names such as Amazon, Meta, Twitter, and Microsoft. It is also reported that this year, companies like Disney, Roku, and Electronic Arts (EA) plan to do the same.
Research scientists and scholars who have worked with AI systems for decades have warned about the technology’s potential to replace the human workforce. Moreover, when ChatGPT was launched in November last year, it accelerated concerns on the same issue.
The White House in the USA released a report last December on the major impact that AI has on the workforce, which claims that “ “inevitable that workers in some jobs will be displaced” as the innovative AI is automated, and not augmented to perform the tasks of a worker. This also means that workers would no longer have the required skills to do their jobs.
The use of AI to replace human workers has been a topic of debate for many years, with experts expressing concern over the potential consequences. Some argue that the adoption of AI technology could lead to increased productivity and efficiency, while others worry that it could result in widespread job loss and a widening income gap.
While the potential benefits of AI are numerous, it is important for companies and policymakers to consider the broader societal impact of its use. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial that we take steps to mitigate the negative effects it may have on the workforce, and ensure that everyone has access to the skills and resources they need to thrive in a changing economy.