News/Future of Work
NVIDIA Is Offering New Learning Resources and Certifications to Foster AI Literacy
NVIDIA’s latest webinar, Essential Training and Tips to Accelerate Your Career in AI, featured a panel discussion with industry experts on career growth and continued learning in AI. Here's what the experts had to say. Opportunities abound in the rapidly growing AI field: As AI impacts nearly every industry, new career paths are emerging for professionals from diverse backgrounds, even those not directly working in AI. Lauren Silveira, NVIDIA university recruiting program manager, encourages applying unique education and experiences to AI careers. Kevin McFall, NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute instructor, advises leveraging existing code, resources, and networks rather than building everything...
read Jul 20, 2024Opinion: UBI Is A Proactive Investment in Social Stability in the Age of AI
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is often framed as a necessary response to the job displacement caused by artificial intelligence and automation, but this perspective may be missing a crucial point. Rethinking the role of UBI: Rather than being a consequence of technological change, UBI could be a catalyst for driving it forward in a more inclusive and socially cohesive manner: By providing a secure financial foundation, UBI could encourage people to actively participate in the technological transition through reskilling, upskilling, and entrepreneurship, creating complementary services and products. In this view, UBI is a prerequisite for a successful and equitable technological...
read Jul 20, 2024Navigating the Opportunities and Pitfalls of AI In Entertainment
The rise of AI in Hollywood has sparked both excitement and concern, with creators and technologists debating its potential impact on the entertainment industry. Key takeaways: AI tools have the potential to democratize Hollywood by making creative tools more accessible, enabling historically excluded groups to tell their stories. However, AI also poses a threat to copyrighted material, requiring further development of ownership solutions such as blockchain technology. Collaboration between creators and technologists is crucial in finding innovative approaches to protect artists' work while leveraging AI's benefits. Generational divide in perception of AI: Younger adults are more optimistic about AI's job-creating...
read Jul 20, 2024How AI and Humans Must Collaborate for a More Productive, Innovative Future Workforce
The rise of AI is reshaping the workforce, with humans and AI working together to drive productivity, innovation, and growth. AI augmenting human capabilities: The future of work lies in leveraging the strengths of both AI and humans, with AI enhancing human skills and enabling increased efficiency and decision-making capabilities: Hybrid intelligence, the combination of human and AI abilities, maximizes productivity by automating routine tasks and allowing humans to focus on complex problem-solving and creative endeavors. AI can guide human exploration and push the boundaries of creativity, leading to breakthroughs in products, services, and processes. AI's data analysis capabilities enhance...
read Jul 19, 2024Women Eager to Embrace AI, but Barriers Persist, Survey Reveals
The rise of generative AI has sparked significant interest among women, yet they remain underrepresented in the field, according to a new survey from Women Go Tech. The findings highlight the eagerness of women to adopt and learn about AI tools, while also revealing the persistent challenges of discrimination, bias, and lack of confidence that hinder their full engagement with the technology. Women's interest and adoption of AI tools: The survey found that a majority of women have used at least one AI tool, with ChatGPT being the most popular choice: 68% of female respondents have used at least one...
read Jul 18, 2024Opinion: Billions of People Must Learn to Become AI Literate Or Risk Being Left Out of the New Economy
In a recent article, MIT Senior Fellow and Investor, John Werner, argues why billions of people must learn AI literacy or risk being left behind in the new automation economy. AI literacy is critical as AI becomes the new immersive technology; those who understand and can use AI effectively will gain exceptional power, while others risk being left behind. Defining AI literacy: Unlike traditional literacy, which focuses on reading and writing, AI literacy involves viewing AI technologies critically, understanding their context, and making informed decisions about their use: It requires the ability to discern the benefits and challenges of AI...
read Jul 17, 2024AI in Law: Navigating the Ethical Minefield of Automation Bias
The rapid advancements in AI and automation pose significant ethical challenges, particularly in the legal sector, where automation bias and complacency can have far-reaching consequences. The legal industry's vulnerability to AI-related issues: As a traditionally slow adopter of technology, the legal sector is now grappling with the profound impact of AI on knowledge-based tasks: Lawyers, often considered the "canaries in the coal mine" for knowledge work, are highly susceptible to machines providing answers more quickly, making automation bias and complacency substantial threats to the profession. The assumption that younger, digital-native generations are better equipped to discern fake information and guard...
read Jul 16, 2024Game Developers Fear AI Will Lead To Job Losses and Reduced Creativity
The AI boom in gaming is causing concern among game developers about the future of their jobs and the industry as a whole: Key takeaways: While some see AI as a potential cost-saving solution for the gaming industry, many developers worry it could lead to job losses, reduced creativity, and a focus on fixing AI-generated content rather than creating original work: Game artist Jess Hyland says she's "very aware" her job could disappear, and that "everyone knows someone who's been laid off" amid widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. There are accounts suggesting entry-level roles like concept art have already...
read Jul 16, 2024How Our Education System Is Failing Students in the AI Era
Education's disconnect from the AI world: Schools around the globe are teaching as if the world outside the classroom is standing still, creating a crisis as AI becomes ubiquitous and transforms society. Gatto's seven invisible lessons holding education back: The late educator John Taylor Gatto identified seven practices in his essay "The Seven-Lesson Schoolteacher" that are stunting children's development and prospects in an AI world: Confusion: Schools present disconnected subjects without tying them together, leaving students unable to see the big picture and develop an innovative mindset crucial in an AI world. Class position: Through testing and tracking, schools reinforce...
read Jul 16, 2024Balancing GenAI’s Potential, Limitations, and Human Contributions
The generative AI revolution has arrived, but we must appreciate its potential without losing sight of its limitations and the critical role humans play in its development and use. Key Takeaways: GenAI has shown promise in generating code, marketing materials, and annual performance reviews, but human oversight is still essential for fact-checking, quality control, and common sense: The technology is prone to "hallucinations" or making up answers to questions. GenAI comes with a significant carbon footprint that could derail climate progress. It threatens to lower wages and kill jobs by taking tasks from human workers. GenAI can produce and amplify...
read Jul 16, 2024How to Harness Human Skills and Thrive in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The rapid advancements in AI technology are raising questions about how professionals can stay relevant in a changing work landscape, but focusing on developing and strengthening uniquely human skills will be crucial for success in the age of AI. Interpersonal skills remain a challenge for AI to duplicate: While AI can automate simple conversations, more complex interactions still require the soft skills that only humans possess. Technology is not seen as a replacement for the personal nature of human relationships, and skills like conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and effective communication continue to be highly valued by organizations. Chatbots are limited...
read Jul 15, 2024AI Advances Fuel Growing Calls for Universal Basic Income as Jobs Threat Looms
The concept of universal basic income is gaining traction as a potential solution to the impact of AI on jobs and a way to encourage more rewarding and socially valuable work. Key takeaways: The idea of a guaranteed income for all citizens has a long history, but is becoming more relevant as AI advances and threatens to displace many workers: A recent study predicts that 59% of tasks currently done by humans in the UK could be affected by AI in the next 3-5 years, potentially triggering a "jobs apocalypse." UBI could provide a vital safety net and enable people...
read Jul 14, 2024AI Boosts Individual Creativity But May Reduce Originality, Study Suggests
An experiment from researchers at University College London and University of Exeter found that AI like GPT-4 can help individuals, especially those with lower baseline creativity, write more creative short stories: Participants who initially scored lower on a creativity test saw the most significant gains in the rated creativity of their stories when using AI assistance. The more AI-generated story prompts these participants were given to choose from, the higher their stories ultimately scored. However, participants who were already highly creative did not benefit from AI and in some cases scored lower when using it. Potential drawbacks; While AI boosted...
read Jul 14, 2024AI Hype Overshadowing Simpler, More Effective Solutions
The quest for AI-driven solutions may be overshadowing simpler, more effective approaches in many cases, as organizations focus on how AI can improve processes rather than first identifying if improvement is truly needed. Solution driving requirements, not vice versa: A recent working group on using AI and machine learning to improve network utilization exemplified this trend, with the goal of applying AI taking precedence over assessing the actual need for improvement: One participant shared an anecdote about a customer requesting an "AI-based" solution for WAN failover, rejecting a simple, time-tested option in favor of an unnecessarily complex AI approach. This...
read Jul 14, 2024How AI Can Enhance Productivity and Well-being Without Replacing Workers
Instead of using AI to replace human employees, companies should leverage AI to augment and improve the working lives of their employees. This requires a shift in focus from cost-cutting through automation to enhancing productivity and well-being. Key takeaways: The trend of replacing human employees with AI in various roles, from customer support to CEOs, is misguided and should be reconsidered: While AI can automate a significant portion of tasks, there are crucial aspects of jobs that require human skills such as empathy, accountability, vision, and inspiration. Companies should use AI to reduce employee workloads, refocus responsibilities, and maintain competitive...
read Jul 13, 2024Senior Workers With AI Skills May Be Well-Positioned for Modern Workplace
Despite the stereotype that older workers may struggle to adapt to new technologies, senior-level employees with AI skills are well-positioned to leverage artificial intelligence effectively in the workplace. Experienced employees can master AI insights: Senior workers often possess a deep understanding of the business, enabling them to query AI systems effectively and apply judgment to the results: Someone with a complex understanding of the business can apply inputs and assess outputs using knowledge and skills that AI has not yet mastered. In the near term, AI will augment rather than replace senior-level workers, provided they are willing to enhance their...
read Jul 13, 2024AI Boosts Individual Creativity but May Homogenize Collective Output, Study Finds
New research suggests generative AI can enhance individual creativity but may homogenize collective output. The study, published in Science Advances, found that while AI tools like GPT-4 improved the creative output of less inherently creative writers, it had little impact on those who were already highly creative. Key findings: AI's impact on individual creativity depends on inherent ability; The researchers divided participants into three groups: one relying solely on their own ideas, another with the option to receive a single AI-generated story idea, and a third with access to up to five AI-generated ideas: The vast majority (88.4%) of participants...
read Jul 12, 2024Financial Services Cautiously Embraces Generative AI, Balancing Innovation and Regulation
The financial services industry is cautiously exploring generative AI's potential, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and data security concerns. Despite being a highly regulated sector, financial services companies are finding ways to leverage AI to enhance customer experiences, improve efficiency, and drive financial inclusion. Key takeaways: Experian and Northwestern Mutual executives highlight the transformative impact of generative AI in financial services, while emphasizing the need for responsible adoption: Shri Santhanam, EVP and GM of Software, Platforms, and AI at Experian North America, notes that AI can contribute to various aspects of financial services, from writing management to productivity, with the...
read Jul 11, 2024AI Raises Concerns Among Students About Privacy, Democracy, and Future of Work at Risk
The rise of AI is prompting important discussions about its implications for the future of work, education, and society. MIT's Ramesh Raskar shares insights on key concerns raised by students and young professionals. Data privacy and regulation: As AI and large language models (LLMs) enable the creation of various applications, there are concerns about the need for proper regulation and control to prevent misuse and protect personal data: Examples like facial recognition technologies and ubiquitous tracking of personal data by third parties highlight the challenges in ensuring data privacy and ownership in the AI era. The notion of data democratization...
read Jul 11, 2024AI’s Future: From Search Engine to Creative Partner, Transforming Work and Life
Anthropic co-founder Jared Kaplan sees AI becoming ubiquitous, with a focus on on-demand bespoke software that can actively collaborate with users to build tools and content. AI as a creative partner: Kaplan envisions a future where AI doesn't just use pre-built software but crafts custom software on demand, transforming how teams leverage AI in enterprise settings: Anthropic's Artifacts feature hints at AI moving beyond being a fancy search engine to becoming a creative partner, potentially upending software development and content creation. AI agents could navigate complex codebases, make multiple changes, and run tests to verify their work, significantly impacting software...
read Jul 11, 2024MIT Technology Review’s AI Guide: Navigating the Complex World of Artificial Intelligence
The MIT Technology Review's comprehensive guide to AI highlights the field's complex history and wide-ranging applications, serving as an essential resource for understanding artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: The guide provides a thorough overview of AI, covering its multifaceted nature and the challenges in defining it: AI encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies and approaches, from rule-based systems to machine learning and deep learning, making it difficult to arrive at a single, universally accepted definition. The field has evolved significantly over the years, with different eras marked by distinct approaches, breakthroughs, and setbacks, showcasing the dynamic nature of AI research and...
read Jul 10, 2024will.i.am on AI: Revolutionizing Music, Empowering Youth, Solving Global Challenges
The interview with will.i.am at the Imagination In Action conference provided fascinating insights into the evolution and potential of AI in music and beyond. Key takeaways: will.i.am's early exposure to AI and his investments in companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have positioned him as a visionary in the field: He is now the CEO of FYI.AI, a company focused on creating AI personas that engage in authentic, relatable conversations. FYI's "secret sauce" involves using natural speaking voices and conversational training data to create AI that feels like a real "superstar" rather than a bland tool. Analyzing the impact of technology...
read Jul 9, 2024AI-Powered Humanoid Robots: A Solution to Global Labor Shortages or Job Killer?
The rise of AI-powered humanoid robots is sparking optimism about their potential to address global labor shortages, particularly in manufacturing and dangerous work. Key players and investments: Major tech companies like Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia are investing billions in developing humanoid robots: Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes the company's Optimus robot could propel it to a $25 trillion market cap and will be vital to Tesla's long-term value. Amazon is already deploying Agility Robotics' Digit robots in its fulfillment centers. The market for humanoids is predicted to grow to $38 billion in the next 20 years, according to Goldman...
read Jul 9, 2024Tony Blair: Embrace AI to Boost UK Economy, Productivity and Public Services
Tony Blair is urging the UK government to fully embrace artificial intelligence to boost growth and productivity in the country. In a major speech, the former prime minister will argue that the modern technological revolution means there has never been a better time to govern. Key initiatives proposed by Blair: The former Labour leader is proposing a package of measures to fuel growth and generate savings, including: Widespread adoption of AI in both the private and public sectors A focus on preventative healthcare Implementation of digital ID Embracing technology in education Britain's strong starting position in AI: In an interview...
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