AI's impact on job destruction improbable, though cost to specific workers could be 'harsh,' states UN research

According to the research by the International Labour Organization, AI is predicted to primarily enhance jobs rather than causing their demise, although specific positions might face higher susceptibility.

Certainly, Generative AI is poised to complement existing job roles rather than outright replace them. While it's true that specific functions within roles, particularly those in clerical work, might experience higher degrees of automation, the overall impact is anticipated to be one of augmentation rather than complete displacement.

A recent study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a distinguished United Nations agency, on August 21 underscores this perspective. The study reveals that approximately 24% of tasks within clerical positions are identified as highly susceptible to automation, accompanied by an additional 58% categorized as having a moderate level of vulnerability.

Among the roles facing the highest exposure are typists, travel consultants, bank tellers, contact center clerks, bookkeeping and data entry clerks, hotel receptionists, and secretaries. These administrative functions are observed to be at the forefront of potential transformation.

The findings from the ILO further indicate an intriguing insight. Given the predominance of women in administrative roles, it could be inferred that they might experience a greater impact from this shift. However, it's important to note that this transformation is expected to be gradual and focused on enhancing human capabilities, leading to a future where the workforce and AI harmoniously collaborate to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and innovation.

"Approximately 3.7 percent of global female employment can be automated using generative AI technology, whereas merely 1.4 percent of male employment falls within the same automatable category."

Moreover, the report reveals a distinct likelihood for AI-driven automation to significantly influence workers in high-income nations (5.5%) when juxtaposed with their counterparts in low-income nations (0.4%).

The comprehensive research conducted by the ILO pertaining to advanced AI primarily centers on the ramifications posed by chatbot utilities, exemplified by prominent entities like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard.

Crypto customer service

Certainly, the ILO report underscores the significant potential for automation in tasks related to customer service, coordination, data management, record keeping, information processing, language services, and responding to inquiries. Notably, even during the challenging crypto winter of 2022, renowned industry players such as Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken strategically streamlined their operations, including customer service roles.

Presently, within the Web3 landscape, customer service positions comprise 832 (2.5%) of the expansive 33,846 listings on the distinguished cryptocurrency job board, Web3.career. It's noteworthy that the ILO's analysis discerns a reassuring perspective – the broader workforce stands resilient against the influence of AI, with its overall impact being neither overtly positive nor negative at this juncture. The forthcoming consequences will hinge on the adept management and regulation of GPTs.

The report rightfully points out that a lack of proper policies could lead to a scenario where select nations and market participants reap the benefits of this transition, potentially leaving workers facing formidable challenges. The ILO emphatically emphasizes the need for safeguarding affected workers in the absence of such policies.

Interestingly, the ILO's findings diverge from the sentiments of everyday Americans. According to a recent survey, a substantial 62% of the U.S. populace envisions a significant AI-driven transformation in the labor landscape over the ensuing two decades. This sentiment has left many Americans grappling with a mix of wariness and concern regarding the trajectory of their professional futures.