Everyone seems to have an opinion about AI and its future impact. For some, it’s a technology that’s full of possibilities. A technology that offers ways to do almost anything in a fraction of the time it takes now.
To others, that same capability creates worries about the loss of personal income if AI makes their job or their business obsolete.
Why People Fear AI
AI is a transformative technology. How AI (artificial intelligence) works, and how it’s possible for AI to perform tasks that seem to require human thought processes are a mystery to most people. And that makes it scary.
But like it or not, AI will revolutionize the way we live and work. Some of those changes will make our lives better, easier, more productive. Other changes may be disruptive. Critics worry that AI has the potential to spread disinformation. Chatbots have already been shown to make up facts to answer queries. And there are fears of evil people using AI for evil uses.
The Biggest AI Concern: Job Loss
What many people fear is how AI will impact the workforce and small businesses. Will it replace or eliminate jobs and businesses? How will AI affect their own livelihood and the livelihoods of their children in the future? And that fear is well-founded.
The McKinsey Report on The Future Of Work, found that 100 million workers (1 out of every 16) may have to switch occupations by 2030. AI is one of factors influencing that shift. Meanwhile a Goldman Sachs report sees potentially greater disruption. It suggests that generative AI could expose the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs to automation.
How Will AI Impact Jobs and Businesses?
If AI can think and output work faster than humans, how will we earn a living in the future? What kind of jobs will be available? What will be in high demand? What kinds of small businesses will still exist?
What jobs or businesses will disappear, leaving people unemployed, or maybe unemployable?
The reports cited above make some predictions. But to gather further insight, I decided to ask the two big AI chatbots (Bard and ChatGPT) for their expectations about the types of work that will be needed in the future.
I presented each chatbot with the same set of questions (prompts). The prompts and the chatbot responses I got are below. The first prompt I wrote asked about a general job and business outlook. In subsequent questions I asked for more specific details.
Note: if you copy these prompts into the two services yourself, you may get slightly different answers. And if you repeat the questions a month later, the answers may change again.
ChatGPT provides a single answer to each prompt. Bard provided an answer to each prompt, but as Bard often does, it also provided some alternate “drafts” of its responses.
How Will Humans Make a Living in 2050?
This was the first prompt (question) I put to Bard and ChatGTP:
Imagine it’s the year 2050 and AI has evolved further than it has so far. How will humans make their living? What occupations will be in high demand? What occupations that exist today will no longer exist?
Both Bard and ChatGPT predicted that jobs that are routine and repetitive will be eliminated by AI. And both predicted that jobs that are likely to be available in 2050 will be those requiring human creativity, scientific and engineering skills, problem solving and emotional intelligence. Bard also suggested that jobs done for “love not money” will also exist but didn’t say how the people doing that work would subsist.
The actual responses from Bard and ChatGPT are below. Bard provided three draft answers with job outlook predictions. I’ve used two of them below. (The third was similar to these two.)
Bard:
(Version 1)
By 2050, AI will have evolved to the point where it can perform many of the tasks that are currently done by humans. This will lead to a significant shift in the workforce, as many jobs will be automated. However, it will also create new opportunities, as AI will also be used to create new products and services.
Some of the occupations that are likely to be in high demand in 2050 include:
- Artificial intelligence engineers: These engineers will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining AI systems.
- Data scientists: These scientists will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to train AI systems.
- User experience designers: These designers will be responsible for creating user-friendly interfaces for AI systems.
- Business analysts: These analysts will be responsible for understanding the needs of businesses and developing AI solutions to meet those needs.
- Teachers: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be used to automate many of the tasks that are currently done by teachers. However, there will still be a need for human teachers to provide guidance and support to students.
Some of the occupations that are likely to be obsolete by 2050 include:
- Truck drivers: Self-driving trucks will make truck driving a thing of the past.
- Factory workers: Robots will automate many of the tasks that are currently done by factory workers.
- Telemarketers: AI will be used to automate telemarketing, making this occupation obsolete.
- Data entry clerks: AI will be used to automate data entry, making this occupation obsolete.
- Travel agents: AI will be used to book travel arrangements, making travel agents obsolete.
It is important to note that these are just a few predictions about the future of work. The actual impact of AI on the workforce will depend on a variety of factors, including the pace of technological development and the policies that are put in place to manage the transition.
Bard:
(Version 2)
The year is 2050. AI has evolved to the point where it can do many of the jobs that humans currently do. This has led to a significant shift in the workforce, with many jobs being automated and replaced by machines.
So, how do humans make their living in this new world?
One way is to work in jobs that require creativity and problem-solving skills. These are the types of jobs that AI is not yet good at. For example, artists, writers, and engineers are still in high demand.
Another way to make a living is to work in jobs that involve interacting with other people. AI is good at tasks that are repetitive and can be done following a set of instructions. However, it is not yet good at understanding and responding to human emotions. This means that jobs like customer service, sales, and education are still in demand.
Finally, some people will choose to work in jobs that are simply enjoyable. For example, they might become farmers, gardeners, or musicians. These are jobs that people do for the love of them, not for the money.
So, what occupations will be in high demand in 2050?
Here are a few examples:
- Artists
- Writers
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Doctors
- Teachers
- Therapists
- Farmers
- Gardeners
- Musicians
And what occupations will no longer exist?
Here are a few examples:
- Factory workers
- Truck drivers
- Cashiers
- Data entry clerks
- Telemarketers
- Travel agents
- Secretaries
- Bookkeepers
- Receptionists
- Mail clerks
Of course, this is just a small sample of the occupations that will be in demand or disappear in 2050. The future of work is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: AI will have a major impact on the workforce.
ChatGPT:
As an AI language model, I can project potential scenarios based on current trends, but please keep in mind that the future is uncertain and subject to change based on various factors.
In the year 2050, AI will have evolved to an unprecedented level of sophistication and capability, leading to significant changes in the job market and the way humans make a living. Here are some possible outcomes:
- Increased demand for jobs that require emotional intelligence and creativity: As AI becomes more advanced, it will take over many routine and repetitive jobs that don’t require much creativity or emotional intelligence. Jobs that require human touch, empathy, and creativity will be in high demand, such as artists, writers, musicians, therapists, social workers, and healthcare professionals.
- Growing demand for jobs related to AI development and management: With the rise of AI, there will be a significant increase in demand for jobs related to AI development and management, such as data scientists, AI engineers, machine learning experts, and AI ethicists.
- Significant decline in jobs that can be automated: Many jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as data entry, manufacturing, and transportation, will be automated, leading to a significant decline in demand for such jobs. This could lead to unemployment in these sectors, which may require a retraining of workers for new roles.
- Increased demand for jobs related to sustainability: As climate change and environmental degradation become more pressing issues, there will be a growing demand for jobs related to sustainability, such as renewable energy specialists, environmental engineers, and sustainable agriculture experts.
- Greater focus on jobs that require human interaction: As AI takes over many routine tasks, there will be a greater focus on jobs that require human interaction, such as education, customer service, and hospitality.
Overall, the job market in 2050 is likely to be highly influenced by AI, with many routine tasks being automated, and a greater demand for jobs that require emotional intelligence, creativity, and human interaction. It will also be essential to retrain workers in sectors that are most vulnerable to automation to ensure they can adapt to the changing job market.
How Will AI Impact Knowledge Workers?
One of the worrisome capabilities of AI is its ability to do many things today’s knowledge workers can do, such as doing research, writing outlines, briefs, articles and ads, creating computer code, performing calculations, and analyzing data.
So, the next question I asked the two AI chatbots was:
What knowledge worker jobs will be eliminated by AI?
Both Bard and ChatGPT responded that data entry and legal research jobs will be at risk. But they cited other job categories as well. Here are the responses:
Bard:
AI is already starting to automate some knowledge worker jobs, and this trend is only going to accelerate in the future. Some of the knowledge worker jobs that are most at risk of being eliminated by AI include:
- Customer service representatives: AI chatbots are already being used to answer customer questions and resolve issues. As AI chatbots become more sophisticated, they will be able to handle more and more customer interactions, eliminating the need for human customer service representatives.
- Telemarketers: AI-powered telemarketing systems are already being used to make sales calls. As these systems become more sophisticated, they will be able to make more sales calls and close more deals, eliminating the need for human telemarketers.
- Data entry clerks: AI-powered data entry systems are already being used to enter data into computer systems. As these systems become more sophisticated, they will be able to enter data more quickly and accurately than human data entry clerks, eliminating the need for these workers.
- Paralegals: AI-powered legal research systems are already being used to research legal precedent and find relevant case law. As these systems become more sophisticated, they will be able to do more of the work that is currently done by paralegals, eliminating the need for these workers.
- Financial analysts: AI-powered financial analysis systems are already being used to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. As these systems become more sophisticated, they will be able to do more of the work that is currently done by financial analysts, eliminating the need for these workers.
These are just a few of the knowledge worker jobs that are at risk of being eliminated by AI. As AI continues to develop, it is likely that even more knowledge worker jobs will be automated. This will have a significant impact on the workforce, and it is important to start thinking about how we can prepare for this change.
ChatGPT:
AI is rapidly advancing and is already starting to automate certain tasks that were previously performed by knowledge workers. In the future, it is likely that AI will continue to replace certain aspects of knowledge work, leading to the elimination of some jobs. Here are some examples of knowledge worker jobs that are at risk of being eliminated by AI:
- Data entry: AI-powered systems are already being used to automate data entry tasks, which involves transferring data from one system to another. This can be done faster and with higher accuracy than humans.
- Accounting: AI-powered systems can automate many of the repetitive and time-consuming tasks involved in accounting, such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis.
- Legal research: AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of legal data and identify relevant precedents and case law, which can make legal research more efficient and accurate.
- Translation: AI-powered translation software is becoming increasingly accurate and can translate text in real-time, reducing the need for human translators.
- Journalism: AI-powered systems can analyze data and generate news articles, reducing the need for human journalists in certain areas, such as financial reporting or sports coverage.
It’s important to note that while AI can replace certain tasks performed by knowledge workers, it’s unlikely that AI will completely eliminate the need for humans in these roles. Many knowledge worker jobs require complex decision-making, creativity, and interpersonal skills that are difficult for AI to replicate. As AI continues to advance, it’s likely that the roles of knowledge workers will evolve, and new skills will be required to stay competitive in the job market.
Will Writers Still Have Jobs?
AI is becoming increasingly good at writing articles, blog posts, ads, and other business content that professional writers get paid to produce today. Having started my own career as a writer, I couldn’t help wondering what’s going to happen to that career in the future. So, I asked the chatbots to respond to this question:
Will writers be in demand in 2050?
Both predicted that there would still be a need for writers, but the types of writing needed and the way writing is done will change. Here’s what they had to say:
Bard:
Yes, writers will still be in demand in 2050. While AI will be able to automate some aspects of writing, it will not be able to replace the creativity and human touch that writers bring to their work. Writers will still be needed to create original content, tell stories, and communicate ideas in a clear and engaging way.
In fact, the demand for writers is likely to increase in 2050 as the world becomes more complex and interconnected. There will be a need for writers to help people understand the world around them and make informed decisions. Writers will also be needed to create content for a variety of new media platforms, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
Of course, the way that writers work will change in 2050. AI will be able to help writers with tasks such as research, editing, and formatting. This will free writers up to focus on the creative aspects of their work. Writers will also need to be more adaptable and willing to learn new technologies.
Overall, the future of writing is bright. While AI will automate some aspects of the job, it will not be able to replace the creativity and human touch that writers bring to their work. Writers will still be in demand in 2050 to create original content, tell stories, and communicate ideas in a clear and engaging way.
ChatGPT:
It’s likely that writers will still be in demand in 2050, although the nature of writing jobs may change due to advances in AI and automation. While AI can generate some types of content, such as news articles and reports, it is unlikely to replace the need for human writers for creative work such as novels, screenplays, poetry, and other forms of artistic expression.
In fact, as automation and AI replace more routine tasks, there may be an increased demand for creative content that requires human imagination and storytelling skills. In addition, as the world becomes more complex, there will be a growing need for writers who can communicate complex ideas in an accessible way, such as technical writers, science writers, and journalists.
However, the writing industry is likely to evolve, and writers may need to adapt to new technologies and platforms. For example, writers may need to develop skills in multimedia content creation, social media, and digital marketing to stay competitive in the job market. Overall, while AI and automation may impact the writing industry, there will likely still be a demand for skilled writers who can create engaging and impactful content.
Will Web Developers and SEOs Have Work in 2050?
My background as a writer led to me founding a small business content website that reached millions of people a year before being acquired in 2021. Part of that growth came through search engine optimization (SEO) and other forms of digital marketing. Thus, I couldn’t help wondering if websites will still be viable businesses in 2050 and if search engine optimization (SEO) will still be a viable occupation. So, the next prompt I typed was:
Will there be any need for SEO or websites in 2050?
The responses suggest we should be prepared for change:
Bard:
The need for SEO and websites in 2050 is a complex question with no easy answer. On the one hand, it is possible that the internet will become so sophisticated that SEO and websites are no longer necessary. For example, if artificial intelligence (AI) is able to perfectly understand and respond to human queries, then there may be no need for people to search for information on their own. Additionally, if virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) become widespread, then people may be able to experience the internet in a more immersive way, without the need for websites.
On the other hand, it is also possible that SEO and websites will become even more important in 2050. For example, if the internet becomes more crowded with information, then SEO will be essential for businesses to stand out from the competition. Additionally, if VR and AR become mainstream, then websites will be the foundation for these new technologies.
Ultimately, the future of SEO and websites is uncertain. However, it is clear that the internet will continue to evolve in the years to come, and that SEO and websites will need to adapt to these changes.
Here are some factors that could affect the need for SEO and websites in 2050:
- The development of new technologies, such as AI, VR, and AR.
- The growth of the internet of things (IoT).
- The increasing importance of data privacy.
- The changing needs of businesses and consumers.
It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds for SEO and websites. However, by understanding the factors that could affect their need, we can better prepare for the changes that are to come.
ChatGPT:
It’s likely that SEO and websites will still be relevant in 2050, although they may have evolved significantly due to advances in technology and changes in user behavior. Here are a few reasons why:
- Online presence: As more and more businesses and individuals conduct their activities online, having a strong online presence will continue to be important. Websites remain a key way for businesses to showcase their products or services, and SEO is critical for ensuring that websites rank highly in search engine results pages, driving traffic and business to the site.
- Search engines: Although search engines may evolve and change over time, it’s likely that people will continue to use search engines to find information, products, and services. Therefore, SEO will remain important for businesses and individuals who want to ensure that their content is easily discoverable.
- E-commerce: With the growth of e-commerce, having a website that is optimized for search engines and user experience will remain essential for businesses that want to sell products or services online.
- Branding: Websites can serve as an important tool for branding and establishing a company’s identity. SEO can help businesses ensure that their website appears prominently in search results, helping to build brand awareness and credibility.
Overall, while the technologies and strategies involved in SEO and website development may change, it’s likely that there will still be a need for these services in 2050. Businesses and individuals will continue to seek ways to stand out and succeed in the digital landscape, and having a strong online presence will remain critical to achieving these goals.
What Work Will Make the Most Money in 2050?
Making money isn’t the only benefit we derive from working or running a business. But the amount of money we earn does determine the kind of lifestyle we are able to live. So, wondering what type of work would be most lucrative in the future, I prompted the two chatbots with this final question:
What do you imagine will be the highest paying occupations in 2050?
Both chatbots said it is difficult to predict what will be lucrative in the future. But both did predict artificial intelligence engineers and healthcare professionals will be needed. But both had good predictions for some other occupations as well.
Bard:
It is difficult to predict with certainty what the highest paying occupations will be in 2050. However, it is likely that the following occupations will be in high demand and offer high salaries:
- Artificial intelligence engineers: These engineers will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining AI systems.
- Data scientists: These scientists will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to train AI systems.
- User experience designers: These designers will be responsible for creating user-friendly interfaces for AI systems.
- Business analysts: These analysts will be responsible for understanding the needs of businesses and developing AI solutions to meet those needs.
- Teachers: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be used to automate many of the tasks that are currently done by teachers. However, there will still be a need for human teachers to provide guidance and support to students.
- Healthcare workers: The aging population will create a demand for healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists.
- Environmental scientists: As the world becomes more aware of the need to protect the environment, there will be a demand for environmental scientists to develop solutions to environmental problems.
- Entrepreneurs: As the world becomes more complex, there will be a need for entrepreneurs to create new businesses and products.
- Artists and creatives: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be used to automate many of the tasks that are currently done by artists and creatives. However, there will still be a need for human artists and creatives to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the world.
These are just a few of the occupations that are likely to be in high demand and offer high salaries in 2050. Of course, the actual demand for these occupations will depend on a variety of factors, including the pace of technological development and the policies that are put in place to manage the transition.
ChatGPT:
Predicting the highest-paying occupations in 2050 is challenging, as it will depend on a range of factors such as economic, social, and technological developments. However, based on current trends and projections, here are some occupations that could potentially be among the highest-paying in 2050:
- AI Engineers and Developers: As AI technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop and maintain AI systems is likely to increase. These professionals will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI systems across a wide range of industries.
- Healthcare Professionals: As the global population continues to age and healthcare needs become more complex, there will be a growing demand for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and specialists. This demand is likely to be particularly high in areas such as geriatric care, mental health, and chronic disease management.
- Renewable Energy Specialists: As the world moves towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, there will be a growing demand for renewable energy specialists, such as wind and solar energy technicians, engineers, and project managers.
- Data Scientists: With the increasing importance of data in decision-making across industries, data scientists are likely to be in high demand in 2050. These professionals will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data to help organizations make informed decisions.
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Specialists: As virtual and augmented reality technologies continue to advance, there will be a growing demand for specialists who can develop, design, and implement these technologies in a wide range of industries, from entertainment to education to healthcare.
Overall, these occupations are likely to be in high demand due to advances in technology, changes in demographics, and shifts in societal needs and values. However, it’s important to note that other factors such as education, experience, and location will also influence earning potential in these fields.
Planning for Your Future in an AI World
What business or occupation should you set your sites on to succeed in 2050? As the chatbots imply, there’s no magic 8 ball to give you the answer today. But there are trends you should be watching and adapting for if you are just starting your career or expect to be working in 2050.
From the responses of the chatbots, those trends would indicate that AI, itself, will be an in-demand career. Businesses and occupations that deal with major concerns such as energy, the environment, healthcare, and aging will be needed.
Engineers, scientists, and other highly educated people whose work requires creative thinking skills should also be in demand. Work that requires emotional interactions with people will be too.
But one can’t help wondering and worrying about what will happen to the masses of people who today make their living doing the repetitive tasks that AI and robotic devices will take over in the future.
What will their future be like? How will they make a living? What about children growing up today in underserved communities who don’t have access to education or role models they’ll need to position themselves to become productive members of the future workforce? How will they make a living?
As AI and other technologies evolve, society needs to find ways to provide sufficient training and resources to all to make sure no one is left behind.
Photo source: Istockphoto.com
As always, over the years,you deliver so much good information.