The digital age has seen its fair share of revolutions, but none quite as transformative as the rise of artificial intelligence. A recent report by the Microsoft-owned, job-oriented social media service LinkedIn explores the profound impact that AI—especially generative AI—is having on the global job landscape.
The numbers alone are compelling. Since November 2022, global English-language job postings mentioning AI technologies like GPT or ChatGPT have skyrocketed by 21 times. By June 2023, AI-skilled members on LinkedIn had grown ninefold compared to January 2016.
This isn't just about tech giants flexing their AI muscles, either. Professionals from various sectors are recognizing AI's potential. And it's more than just adding "AI" to your LinkedIn bio. A whopping 75% of professionals have updated their profiles to include AI keywords, signaling a shift in employment dynamics.
However, with this AI-centric shift comes an underlying concern: job displacement. The majority of Americans express anxiety about AI being involved in the job market.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently offered a counter-narrative. As Decrypt highlighted on Monday, the ILO believes that AI is unlikely to trigger a significant unemployment crisis. Instead, it should pave the way for more job opportunities.
ILO had its own numbers: the group said that "3.7% of all female employment worldwide is in jobs potentially automatable with generative AI technology, compared to only 1.4% of male employment."
The LinkedIn report—titled "Future of Work Report: AI at Work"—also delves into the rapid diffusion of 121 AI different skills since 2016. Countries like Singapore, Finland, and Ireland are at the forefront. By 2022, 17 out of every 1,000 LinkedIn members said they possessed AI skills, a significant jump from the 3 out of 1,000 in 2016.
While the tech sector remains dominant, financial services and retail are catching up swiftly.
Yet, challenges persist. While 51% of US executives are enthusiastic about AI, LinkedIn reports, they're uncertain about its real-world applications. Only 4% plan to reassess roles and reduce headcount due to AI, and 84% of U.S. members believe that generative AI could automate at least a quarter of their tasks, enhancing productivity and ushering in specialized roles.
For many, the future looks promising.
The Generative AI market is projected to contribute a staggering $4 trillion to the global economy, with the broader AI industry is set to bring up to $15 trillion to the table. But as we navigate this AI-driven epoch, one thing remains clear: while AI can craft an impeccable email or report, the human touch remains irreplaceable.
As the adage goes, "It's not about working harder; it's about working smarter." With AI as our ally, the future of work promises to be smarter, more efficient, and (hopefully) still human-centric.