Will AI Take Our Jobs? IBM CEO Says Declining Populations are the Real Threat

The Story

Many people fear that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to widespread unemployment. However, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna believes that declining populations are the real threat to jobs.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Krishna said that the growing shortage of skilled workers is a bigger problem than the potential displacement of jobs by AI. He pointed out that many countries such as Japan, Italy, and Spain are facing declining populations, which poses a serious challenge for businesses that need skilled workers.

Krishna suggested that AI can actually help fill this gap by augmenting human capabilities and enabling workers to be more productive with fewer resources. However, he also noted that businesses need to invest in retraining workers who may be displaced by AI.

• Japan's population is projected to fall from 125 million in 2019 to 88 million by 2065, according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.
• Italy's population has been in decline since 2015, and is projected to fall below 50 million by 2065, according to the United Nations.
• Spain's population is projected to decline from 47 million in 2020 to 38 million by 2060, according to Eurostat.

Practical Tips

If you are concerned about the potential impact of AI on your job or industry, here are some practical tips to consider:

• Stay informed about the latest AI developments in your field, and be proactive about learning new skills that can enhance your value as an employee.
• Consider pursuing a career in a field that is likely to grow in demand as a result of AI, such as data science, cybersecurity, or robotics.
• Be open to opportunities to collaborate with AI, rather than seeing it as a threat. By working alongside AI systems, you may be able to accomplish more than you would on your own.

Conclusion

It's natural to worry about the impact of AI on jobs, but IBM CEO Arvind Krishna reminds us that declining populations are the real threat. By investing in retraining and collaborating with AI, we can help fill the gap left by a shortage of skilled workers. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Declining populations pose a serious challenge for businesses that need skilled workers.
2. AI can help fill the gap by augmenting human capabilities and enabling workers to be more productive with fewer resources.
3. We need to invest in retraining workers who may be displaced by AI, and be open to opportunities to collaborate with AI systems.

By keeping these points in mind, we can work together to create a future in which AI enhances, rather than replaces, human capabilities.