ChatGPT could be the technological breakthrough that kills search engines
In the first half of 2023, the layoffs of technology companies hit a record high, and the competition among global technology giants is particularly fierce, especially in the development of artificial intelligence technology.
Layoffs have been exacerbated by the slowdown in the world economy since the pandemic, coupled with the fallout from the war in Ukraine and its overall economic fallout, tech companies are also looking to address internal imbalances created by their hiring operations, as the telecommuting trend increases during the pandemic , prompting companies to hire more workers to adapt to changes in the labor market at that time.
Alongside these causes of the cost-of-living crisis, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are seen as an influencer in resetting and shaping the labor market, impacting many jobs and triggering a wave of layoffs. Businesses that do not require strong human skills can be replaced by artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, developments in the field have created other employment opportunities that require new skills.
According to Layoffs.fyi, a start-up that tracks tech layoffs since the pandemic, 844 tech companies will lay off 216,364 workers in 2023, compared with 1,058 companies laying off 164,709 workers in 2022.
In view of the fact that “artificial intelligence” is a major factor or reason for the above-mentioned layoffs, its impact in one month, for example, in May last year, a total of 80,000 employees were laid off in that month, and 4,000 people were lost. According to Business. Insider reports.
rapid layoffs
Dr. Ahmad Banafa, an American information technology expert and academic advisor to San Jose State University in California, said in an exclusive speech on “Arab Economic Sky News”: There will be large-scale layoffs in the technology industry in 2023, and so far there have been nearly 250,000 layoffs. Workers are unemployed.
The reasons for the layoffs are various, including factors such as the economic slowdown, the fallout from the war in Ukraine, hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living.
However, the impact of AI on tech layoffs in the second half of 2023 remains uncertain. While AI has the potential to automate tasks previously performed by humans, leading to potential layoffs, it can also help save costs and create new jobs. These include several points to consider about the impact of artificial intelligence on technological layoffs, which Benafia monitors are as follows:
- Create job opportunies: While AI may lead to layoffs in some areas, it can also create new jobs in other areas. For example, artificial intelligence may help in the development of innovative products and services, which requires the hiring of new workers with relevant skills.
- Division of labor: The introduction of AI could lead to a fragmentation of the workforce, with AI displacing some workers while others find new job opportunities that require higher skill levels. Efforts to improve and reskill may be necessary to ensure that workers can adapt to changing job demands.
- Industry impact: The impact of AI on technology layoffs varies by industry. Customer service jobs may be more likely to be automated by AI than roles in software development.
The US-based information technology expert added: “Given the potential benefits and challenges of AI applications, there is a need to monitor their impact on the workforce. Policymakers should work on developing strategies to ensure a just and inclusive transition, and Enhancing the benefits of artificial intelligence while mitigating impacts.” Potential negatives.
In addition to the points mentioned, some specific areas where AI may lead to layoffs or job changes include:
- AI Chatbots: As AI chatbots become more advanced, they can handle an increasing number of customer interactions, reducing the need for customer service staff.
- AI-Driven Marketing: Automating marketing tasks through artificial intelligence, such as email marketing and social media advertising, can reduce the labor required in the marketing department.
- AI-enabled software development: AI can automate some aspects of software development; such as building and testing code, which can reduce the number of people required for these tasks.
It’s worth noting, however, that AI can also be used to improve processes and increase efficiency, which can offset the cost of layoffs.
Additionally, developments in artificial intelligence could create new job opportunities in areas such as data science and machine learning.
While AI can impact technical layoffs, it can also help create jobs and improve processes, Banafa said. The extent of AI’s impact depends on a variety of factors, including technological progress and economic conditions.
Monitoring and adapting to these changes is also critical to ensuring a smooth transition in the technology industry and maximizing the benefits of AI.
reshaping the labor market
Hisham Al-Natour, a technology development expert, pointed out in an exclusive statement on the “Sky News Arab Economy” website, “Artificial intelligence has caused concerns among workers in various fields. On the one hand, it will help. , on the other hand, it creates new jobs and like any new technology the world is witnessing, it rearranges the labor market in a way that negatively impacts certain skills while creating new jobs with different skills .
He continued: “Artificial intelligence cannot fully perform all tasks and functions, nor can it be fully relied upon to fully achieve the desired results, as it still lacks the human mind. Therefore, artificial intelligence can play a huge role in the following areas: in customer service Aspects do not require extensive skills, but human review and review is required when used in other domains.”
Therefore, he said, the development of artificial intelligence technology can create more employment opportunities that require new skills, and support universities to create new majors, open doors to new fields of study and provide various science degrees, especially in machine training and programs. and algorithmic innovation.
He continued: “At the labor market level, businesses will need more AI-trained employees, just as social media has risen, creating new skills and jobs related to social media, until “social communication depends on various institutions, it has become a prestigious job. This is likely to be the case with artificial intelligence, which is expected to see a boom in employment. “