MKTG Week 6: Looking at the History of Change

Looking at the History of Change

I believe that one of the best ways we as humans learn is through experiences, our own, but also that of others. When we hear others' stories and encounters with things and situations we are not so familiar with, we learn from their point of view and the way that they handle things. Even things that we have experienced ourselves, we can learn helpful new tips and insights when we listen to the accounts of others.

This AI-focused subsection of my blog discusses how we can all adapt artificial intelligence into our daily work process for improved efficiency. Last week we went over my story and my beginnings with adopting AI tools into my creative process as a graphic designer. Today, I'd like to explore the perspective on AI in the job force of Irving Wladawsky-Berger, who earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in physics and is a professor at the Imperial College Business School. 

Overall, Irving holds a positive outlook on artificial intelligence, referring to himself as a "techno-optimist", who views AI as merely another technological development we will adapt to as we have done before. During an interview with Todd Kelsey, author of Surfing the Tsunami and professor at Benedictine University, Irving gave his views on how he thinks artificial intelligence will integrate itself into the career world. 

One of Irving's most prominent points is that society has adopted many other bigger, more consequential advances before, from scientific to technological developments. "Many people think that this time is different, that our technologies, including virtualization, the Internet, AI, etc. are different from anything we've seen in the past," he said. "But, many believe that the changes around the turn of the 20th century may have been even bigger, with electricity, indoor plumbing, cars, airplanes, telegraphs, radio, TV, etc."

In my opinion, this is a highly valid point to consider. Humankind has always found new ways to develop and advance our daily lives, whether it be through the invention of the light bulb or artificial intelligence. 

Surely, AI tools seem powerful and almost unnatural to us now in their newest stages, but I think it's highly likely the light bulb and its power to simply glow without gas or fire seemed just as unnatural to people of that time as well. Yet they adapted, and society became better for it. Who are we to say that AI tools will not be the same way when we have not allowed them a chance beyond our fears and apprehension? 

However, many people fear that artificial intelligence's ability to take over certain tasks without need for humans will be a risk to our jobs. Irving has an optimistic stance on this front as well. Referencing the recent McKinsey study on the impact of AI on the workforce, he explained, "There is no question that if managers can get the same work done with fewer people they will do so. But remember, new technologies and innovation will lead to new jobs and industries over time. So, as McKinsey said, there will be jobs lost, jobs transformed, and jobs gained." 

I see this as another valid point that can also be supported by looking back at the history of other changes and advancements society has adopted. Going back to our light bulb example, the invention of the light bulb also eliminated the need for certain jobs, such as lamplighters, who manually ignited gas lamps to illuminate roads and buildings. In its place, however, the development of the light bulb and electricity created many new job opportunities, including electricians and light bulb manufacturers. As scary as the invention may have seemed at the time, it changed society and the job force, but did not necessarily harm it as was feared. I personally believe that artificial intelligence tools will also have the same effects. 

As Irving maintains, and I am inclined to agree, "History suggests that eventually things work out." From my perspective, I can see why artificial intelligence seems so threatening to so many people. But so have many other advances and inventions in the past, which have eventually merely become a normal part of everyday life. I believe that artificial intelligence will also become just another technological development that society adopts into routine. It is up to us to ensure that we make that adoption as smooth as possible by learning to use AI tools wisely, to our advantage to improve efficiency and results. 

Until next week!

Marielle 

Note: You can find Kelsey's full interview with Irving and other details on the mentioned McKinsey study in Kelsey's book, Surfing the Tsunami.