AI Forces Furious Conversation on Future of Work
Many experts, HR chiefs and managers feel employees need to get ready to re-skill or they will simply be left behind.
The winds of change are swirling through the workforce, driven by the ever-evolving power of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI promises increased efficiency and innovation, it also presents a challenge for today's work managers: navigating this transformation and leading their teams into a future reshaped by technology.
To thrive in this AI-driven landscape, managers must shed the skin of passive observers and embrace a proactive approach. Upskilling themselves in AI literacy, fostering a culture of continuous learning within their teams, and adopting human-centric leadership styles are just some of the essential steps they must take. It's not about fearing AI but harnessing its potential to empower their teams and navigate the exciting yet uncharted territory of the AI-powered workplace.
Now, before going ahead, let’s look at the AI Job Indicator.
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In Today’s Newsletter:
UPS to Cut 12,000 Jobs, Invest in AI
Will AI Take Over Jobs As Some Fear?
Gen-AI Is Being Used to Polish Resumes
Gartner’s Future of Work Trends
Study Predicts Major Disruption in Entertainment Jobs in California
PayPal to Introduce AI-based Products
World’s Largest Ad Group Investing Big In AI
Hype Around Metaverse Fades With Advent of AI
Indian IT Firms Split on Reasons Behind Decreasing Employee Count: Is It Overhiring or AI Influence?
AI Used in Russia to Diagnose Diseases
European Commission Proposes AI Factories
AI's Midas Touch: How It's Fueling Strong Earnings
First LLMs Suffered From Hallucinations, Now Comes the Butterfly Effect
Google Cloud and Hugging Face Strike Partnership
Tencent Constructs Extensive Dataset for Video Search, Focusing on AI Readiness for a Video-Centric Environment
OpenAI Collaborates with Common Sense Media to Foster Safe, Responsible AI Use Among Teens
Volkswagen Explores AI Partnership with Tech Companies for Innovative Product Prototypes
Nueralink Implants Chip in Human Brain
UK Survey Finds Over Half Of Those Students Surveyed Use AI
UK Govt’s AI Opportunity Forum
US FTC’s New Investigation
US Government Agencies Join Forces with Leading AI Developers
Italian Regulator Accuses OpenAI of Violating Privacy Rules
Collaboration with Countries like India Essential for US AI Regulation, Says Expert
Concerns Over AI Upgrade to Google Messages
…plus, TopPicks, Commentary, and more.
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Will AI Make Us Lazy, Dumb, or Just “Different”?
The specter of AI rendering humanity sluggish and intellectually stagnant looms large in the popular imagination. But before we don the tinfoil hats, let's take a nuanced look at the impact of AI on our cognitive abilities, drawing an analogy from the humble calculator.
The calculator's arrival undoubtedly transformed our approach to numbers. Gone were the days of laborious manual calculations; now, lightning-fast results were a button press away. Did this make us "lazy" in the true sense? Certainly not.
We didn't stop learning math or lose the ability to calculate mentally. Instead, the calculator freed us from tedious tasks, allowing us to focus on deeper mathematical concepts and applications. Similarly, AI's potential lies not in replacing human cognition but in augmenting it.
Consider mundane tasks like scheduling appointments or generating basic reports. AI excels at these, freeing us to tackle more complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative endeavors. This, in turn, can stimulate cognitive growth, as we engage with challenges that demand higher-order thinking skills.
Opponents might argue that overreliance on AI could lead to "learned helplessness," where individuals become dependent on technology for even simple tasks. However, this assumes a passive approach to AI. Instead, we can leverage its capabilities to upskill ourselves, learning how to interact with and utilize AI effectively. This fosters a new kind of intelligence, one that merges human intuition and creativity with the analytical power of AI.
But what about the fear of AI rendering us "dumb" by eroding our basic cognitive skills? This hinges on the definition of "dumbness." If it simply means lacking basic computational skills, then the calculator analogy applies. We traded rote memorization for deeper understanding. True dumbness, however, lies in the inability to learn, adapt, and think critically. And in this realm, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing these very skills.
Some concerns are valid. Overreliance on AI for decision-making could indeed lead to a decline in analytical skills and independent thinking. Just as excessive calculator use can hinder basic arithmetic understanding, constant dependence on AI for problem-solving could atrophy those mental muscles.
By providing personalized learning platforms, AI can also offer simulations and immersive experiences that challenge our cognitive abilities and push us to think outside the box.
In conclusion, the notion of AI making us lazy or dumb is a simplistic and unfounded fear. Instead, we stand on the cusp of a symbiotic relationship with AI, where technology enhances our cognitive abilities, frees us from drudgery, and empowers us to reach new heights of intellectual achievement. The true challenge lies not in resisting AI, but in embracing it as a tool for individual and collective cognitive growth.
UPS to Cut 12,000 Jobs, Invest in AI
Well known parcel delivery firm UPS is cutting 12,000 jobs due to economic challenges and labor disputes. The company is investing in AI to improve efficiency and has called staff back to the office full-time.
UPS experienced a decline in sales and profits, partly due to economic weakness in Europe and parts of Asia, as well as a labor strike in the US. It has since regained some lost business and expects modest growth.
The company also warned of ongoing costs related to a new union contract. Most of the job cuts will come from management ranks, and the company is exploring the potential sale of a truckload brokerage business.
Despite the challenges, UPS sees opportunities to enhance productivity through technology, particularly generative AI.
Source: bbc.com
Will AI Take Over Jobs As Some Fear?
The article by MIT Technology Review in LinkedIn discusses the historical and current concerns about technological unemployment and the impact of AI on jobs.
It highlights the 1938 article by MIT's president, Karl T. Compton, who argued that technological progress doesn't have to lead to fewer jobs. The article emphasizes the potential for AI to create new jobs and expand the economy, but also stresses the importance of using AI to enhance workers' skills and capabilities. It encourages responsible use of AI technology and offers related stories and a newsletter for further insight into AI advancements.
The debate over the impact of technology on jobs is not new, says the write-up, and it's important to approach it with an understanding of economics and the potential for AI to expand skills and capabilities.
The responsible use of AI technology can lead to the creation of new jobs and economic prosperity, and it's crucial for AI companies to consider the impact on workers while leveraging the technology.
Source: LinkedIn Pulse
Gen-AI Is Being Used to Polish Resumes
Nearly half of job seekers are using generative AI tools to improve their resumes, with the highest usage in India and Brazil, according to a survey by Canva in partnership with Sago.
Hiring managers are receptive to the use of AI in application materials, with 90% finding it acceptable and 46% suggesting it should be used minimally to augment an applicant’s ideas and content.
Job seekers using AI on their resumes reported higher satisfaction with appearance and having the right tools, while a majority of hiring managers believe text-only resumes will become obsolete in the next five years.
Source: yahoo.com
Gartner’s Future of Work Trends
To ensure success in the current year and beyond, Gartner has advised organizations to assess the impact of nine trends. This proactive approach would enable organizations to stay ahead of the challenges they are likely to encounter.
The future of work trends includes shifting towards a four-day workweek, developing new manager skills for conflict resolution, and re-evaluating the importance of college degrees in the face of changing workforce dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicted to create new job opportunities and streamline skill development, but organizations need to manage potential risks and costs associated with AI implementation, according to Gartner.
Gartner's 2024 “Future of Work Trends” emphasizes the importance of adapting to talent challenges, evolving career assumptions, and leveraging AI to navigate the evolving workplace landscape.
Source: LinkedIn Pulse
Study Predicts Major Disruption in Entertainment Jobs in California
A new study predicts the disruption of over 62,000 entertainment jobs in California and 204,000 jobs across the US within three years due to the rise of AI.
In a comprehensive study conducted by CVL Economics, a consulting firm specializing in economic analysis, 300 leaders within the entertainment industry were surveyed. This diverse group included C-Suite executives, senior executives, and mid-level managers and producers. The research focuses on examining the consequences and significance of incorporating generative AI in the entertainment business.
The study was commissioned by organizations such as the Animation Guild, the Concept Art Association, the Human Artistry Campaign, and the National Cartoonists Society Foundation. The findings aim to shed light on the nuanced impact of generative AI within the dynamic landscape of the entertainment sector.
The study highlighted concerns about AI's impact on tasks such as 3-D modeling, sound design, and writing in film, TV, music, and gaming. It also emphasizes the potential displacement of entry-level positions and the need for industry standards to navigate the impact of AI on entertainment jobs.
Source: latimes.com
PayPal to Introduce AI-based Products
PayPal is unveiling new products driven by artificial intelligence, including a one-click checkout feature, in an effort to revitalize the payments giant. This marks the initial significant announcement under the leadership of Alex Chriss, who joined PayPal in September.
The introduction of these new products reflects the broader trend of companies harnessing investor interest in AI, a factor that has contributed to record highs in U.S. stock markets this month.
Source: reuters. com
World’s Largest Ad Group Investing Big In AI
The world's largest ad group, Publicis Groupe, is investing $326 million over the next 3 years to build an AI-powered system called Core AI. This system will be accessible to all 100,000+ employees and aims to provide instant access to the company's extensive data and expertise.
This initiative is seen as a remarkable vision for the agency world and marks the realization of the concept of a marketing intelligence engine, which has been theorized for a decade.
Source: marketingaiinstittue.com
Hype Around Metaverse Fades With Advent of AI
The hype around the metaverse has faded, leading to a shift in corporate focus towards AI, according to this report.
Many companies have repositioned or let go of their metaverse executives in favor of hiring AI leaders.
Despite the decline in metaverse interest, some companies are still exploring its potential while heavily investing in artificial intelligence.
Source: ndtv.com
Indian IT Firms Split on Reasons Behind Decreasing Employee Count: Is It Overhiring or AI Influence?
Industry leaders are divided on the impact of disruptive technologies like gen-AI on the current trend of decline in recruitment and headcount. But major companies plan to enhance efficiency without reducing their talent pool.
Despite the current downturn, there is an expectation of increased employee headcounts once demand rebounds in the Indian IT sector.
The IT sector, a major employer in the country, is experiencing a debate on the impact of disruptive technologies on job redundancy. While some industry leaders believe that new technologies may replace certain roles, others anticipate an increase in employee headcounts once demand picks up.
The sector, which traditionally hires extensively from colleges, is currently facing restrained recruitment due to sluggish demand caused by macroeconomic uncertainty. This has led to a decline in workforce numbers over the past few quarters.
Source: moneycontrol.com
AI Used in Russia to Diagnose Diseases
Russian doctors use AI to diagnose a wide range of pathologies in minutes, providing quick and efficient analysis in emergency situations, says a new report.
AI systems developed in Russia have analyzed over 150 thousand computer tomograms, demonstrating their effectiveness in saving lives.
The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare allows doctors to have extra time to consider all available options before making critical decisions about patient care.
Source: timesofindia.com
European Commission Proposes AI Factories
The European Commission has proposed the creation of 'AI factories' with access to supercomputers to help AI start-ups overcome the prohibitive cost of computing infrastructure.
This initiative aims to reduce the high cost of computing infrastructure that acts as a barrier for SMEs entering the AI market. However, concerns remain regarding funding, access, and the ethical requirements for AI models. The plan involves repurposing resources from other EuroHPC projects and collaborating with private sector investments.
There are also discussions about potential drawbacks and the need for a more concentrated approach to AI research and innovation in Europe. Additionally, there are considerations about access to supercomputers and the balance between public and private funding for AI development.
Source: sciencebusiness.net
AI's Midas Touch: How It's Fueling Strong Earnings
The winds of change are sweeping through corporate boardrooms, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront. It's no longer just science fiction; it's driving real results, with several companies, including prominent IT players, witnessing significant financial gains thanks to their AI deployments.
For example, Microsoft's heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI) paid off with a significant revenue increase and a 33% rise in net income.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard boosted Microsoft's overall revenue by 4%, with the Xbox content and services division seeing a 61% increase.
Microsoft's growing influence in AI has attracted regulatory scrutiny, with investigations launched into its investment in OpenAI and the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
It's important to remember that correlation doesn't equal causation, and other factors can influence earnings growth. However, the increasing financial success of these companies, alongside their significant AI investments, paints a compelling picture. AI is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic technology delivering tangible results.
Source: The Guardian
First LLMs Suffered From Hallucinations, Now Comes the Butterfly Effect
New research has shown that minor variations in prompts can significantly impact the output and accuracy of large language models (LLMs), such as changing from a question to a command, resulting in more than 500 prediction changes.
Jailbreak techniques, like AIM and Dev Mode V2, caused a significant performance drop with invalid responses in about 90% of predictions, highlighting the inherent instability even in seemingly innocuous jailbreaks.
Slight changes in prompts lead to significant changes in LLMs' responses, indicating the need for further research to develop LLMs that are resistant to changes and provide consistent answers at scale.
Research from the University of Southern California Information Sciences Institute and sponsored by DARPA shows that even minor changes in prompts, such as adding spaces or using different formats, can significantly alter the model's predictions and accuracy.
The research highlights the need to better understand why prompt variations lead to significant changes and develop LLMs that are resistant to such variations.
Source: venturebeat.com
Google Cloud and Hugging Face Strike Partnership
Hugging Face and Google Cloud have formed a strategic partnership to democratize access to open AI research and models, enabling developers to build their own AI with the latest technologies.
The collaboration aims to make the latest AI research and innovations more accessible to the community through open science, open source tools, and Google Cloud's infrastructure.
Users of Hugging Face Hub and Google Cloud will soon be able to deploy and manage the latest open models for production, leveraging Google's unique hardware capabilities and infrastructure.
Source: huggingface.co
Tencent Constructs Extensive Dataset for Video Search, Focusing on AI Readiness for a Video-Centric Environment
Researchers from Tencent and the University of Science and Technology of China have developed the Chinese image-text Benchmark for short Video Search scenarios (CBVS), a comprehensive test and dataset designed to comprehend the interplay between text and videos within a Chinese context.
CBVS comprises three distinct datasets:
CBVS-20K: A meticulously curated dataset featuring "20k high-quality <user query-video cover> pairs," serving as a benchmark test for image-text relationships in Chinese short video search.
CBVS-5M and CBVS 10M: Two expansive datasets with text presented in the form of video titles and OCR texts.
Source: arxiv.org
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OpenAI Collaborates with Common Sense Media to Foster Safe, Responsible AI Use Among Teens
OpenAI has revealed its partnership with Common Sense Media on an initiative aimed at educating teenagers on the safe utilization of artificial intelligence.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the commitment to developing a tool that is both safe and responsibly accessible for teens within their educational experiences. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring technology's safety for children, is actively working on an AI ratings and review system.
This system is intended for parents, children, and educators to better comprehend the risks and benefits associated with technology. Common Sense's focus includes exploring whether AI encourages a love for learning among youth, upholds human and children's rights, and whether it has the potential to perpetuate the spread of misinformation.
Source: cnbc.com
Volkswagen Explores AI Partnership with Tech Companies for Innovative Product Prototypes
Volkswagen is reportedly engaging in discussions with technology companies to establish a collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) partnership.
According to Reuters, the German carmaker aims to work closely with these tech groups in developing digital prototypes for products and features that leverage AI.
As part of this initiative, Volkswagen has inaugurated an "artificial intelligence lab" dedicated to fostering new product ideas. The lab will serve as a platform for collaborations with technology companies across China, North America, and Europe, the company stated in a press release. The primary objective is to create early-stage prototypes focusing on areas such as voice recognition, AI-optimized charging cycles, and predictive maintenance services.
Exploratory talks are already underway with international tech companies on initial projects, Volkswagen noted, providing no further details on the ongoing discussions. While the AI lab will not be housed within Volkswagen's software unit, Cariad, or a specific brand, successful prototypes showing potential will be integrated into Volkswagen's various brands, as reported.
This move, say experts, aligns with a broader trend in the automotive sector, where several companies are increasingly embracing AI technology.
Source: pymnts.com
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Nueralink Implants Chip in Human Brain
Elon Musk's company Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain-computer interface into a human for the first time, showing promising results in detecting neuron spikes related to motion.
Neuralink's approach, using wireless communication between a chip and a device, builds upon existing research, aiming to create a commercial product that can potentially help people with paralysis.
While Neuralink's achievements are significant, the company's loftier goals, such as restoring sensory inputs like vision, present complex challenges that require further scientific exploration and experimentation.
The device, called Telepathy, uses electrodes to detect neuron signals related to motion, enabling computer control through thought. The company aims to help paralyzed individuals and merge human brains with artificial intelligence.
Source: scientificamerican.com
UK Survey Finds Over Half Of Those Students Surveyed Use AI
More than half of UK undergraduates are using AI to assist with their essays, raising concerns about potential inaccuracies and misuse.
In a survey conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) among over 1,000 UK undergraduates, it was discovered that 53% utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to produce content for assignments that contribute to their grades.
Additionally, one in four students leveraged applications like Google Bard or ChatGPT for topic suggestions, while one in eight employed these tools to generate content.
Source: theguardian.com
UK Govt’s AI Opportunity Forum
The UK Government has launched the AI Opportunity Forum to accelerate AI adoption in the private sector, aiming to boost innovation and productivity across industries.
The Forum will focus on sharing best practices, evaluating AI competencies within organizations, and promoting safe and responsible AI development.
Collaboration between the Government, industry leaders, and tech experts is crucial to support businesses in adopting AI, prioritizing education and training for effective utilization.
Source: telconews.co.uk
US FTC’s New Investigation
The FTC is scrutinizing investments and partnerships between Big Tech companies and AI providers to understand their impact on the competitive landscape of generative AI.
Microsoft has a significant financial relationship with OpenAI, while Google and Amazon have invested in Anthropic, raising concerns about market competition and potential sales growth in the AI sector.
The FTC's investigation aims to shed light on whether investments and partnerships pursued by dominant companies risk distorting innovation and undermining fair competition in the AI market.
Source: theverge.com
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US Government Agencies Join Forces with Leading AI Developers for Launch of National AI Research Resource Pilot Program
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and 10 other government agencies are collaborating with major AI developers to launch the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program.
This initiative aims to democratize access to AI research resources for US-based researchers by providing access to AI models, computing power, datasets, software, and training. The program is supported by 15 private sector partners, including tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia. The goal is to maintain the US's leadership in AI innovation and address areas such as healthcare and environmental sustainability. This initiative comes in response to President Joe Biden's executive order on AI and aims to ensure the US remains a global AI innovation hub.
Source: theverge.com
Italian Regulator Accuses OpenAI of Violating Privacy Rules
Italian regulators have informed OpenAI that its ChatGPT chatbot has violated the EU's data privacy rules, known as GDPR, due to breaches and concerns about data protection and age verification.
OpenAI claims that its practices align with GDPR and other privacy laws, and it actively works to reduce personal data in training its AI systems, while also rejecting requests for private or sensitive information about individuals.
The growing popularity of generative AI systems like ChatGPT is drawing increasing scrutiny from regulators in both the EU and the US, prompting inquiries and investigations into AI startups and their relationships with tech giants.
Source: thehindu.com
Collaboration with Countries like India Essential for US AI Regulation, Says Expert
Ylli Bajraktari, an expert from a US nonprofit, has highlighted India's potential in the field of AI and called for a collaboration between it and the US.
He has emphasized the importance of retraining workers to adapt to AI and the need for greater investment in tools and computing power.
The article also mentions the geopolitical competition between the US, China, and India in emerging technologies, and the efforts to develop new technologies through initiatives like iCET and the Trade and Technology Council.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Concerns Over AI Upgrade to Google Messages
Fears are being expressed that a new update to Google Messages that involves Google's AI assistant, Bard, may lead to privacy issues since Bard will be able to read and analyze private messages
The debate between on-device versus cloud-based analysis of message content highlights the potential privacy implications and the need for transparent data use notifications.
The integration of generative AI into messaging platforms by Google and Apple will transform texting and pose new challenges in balancing user privacy with AI capabilities, according to this opinion piece.
It emphasizes the need for transparency, control, and responsible AI development in the context of user privacy. The article concludes by advising users to carefully consider the privacy implications before allowing AI to analyze their message history.
Source: forbes.com
..where every week, I shortlist interesting articles, posts, podcasts, and videos on AI.
Where is AI Headed in Next Five Years?
If you want to know where AI tech is headed in the coming years, then this article is a must-read. Written by Michael Bennett, Director of Educational Programs and Business Lead for Responsible Artificial Intelligence in The Institute for Experiential Artificial Intelligence at Northeastern University in Boston, USA, it discusses the impact of AI over the next five years.
It traces the historical development of AI and highlights its increasing influence on society. The author predicts that AI will lead to faster decision-making, raise privacy concerns, and require human-AI collaboration. Various industries, including education, healthcare, finance, law, and transportation, will undergo significant transformation due to AI.
The article also addresses long-term concerns about AI and emphasizes the need for responsible and ethical AI implementation.
Source: techtarget.com
Coming up: A Book on Non-Human Rights in the 21st Century
This book should be interesting.
In the contemporary era, the acknowledgment of non-human rights has become a tangible reality, encompassing a diverse spectrum that includes animals, rivers, mountains, rainforests, ecosystems, and artificial entities like machines, AI, and robots. This paradigm shift, where these entities are recognized as subjects of legal rights across various regions, now shapes our everyday legal framework and lexicon.
A yet-to-be-published book, “Non Human Rights - Critical Perspetcives”, delves into the paradoxes inherent in the concept of non-human rights and unravels their profound significance against the backdrop of our historical crucible.
As we witness the emergence of this trend globally, the book offers a critical perspective on the intersection of two pivotal concerns of the 21st century: the urgent challenges posed by climate change and the transformative impact of automation.
In doing so, it sheds light on the evolving legal landscape and the complex interplay between environmental and technological considerations.
Edited by Alexis Alvarez-Nakagawa, Lecturer and IHSS Fellow, Queen Mary University of London and Costas Douzinas, Emeritus Professor, School of Law, Birkbeck, University of London, UK, the book is scheduled for an April release.
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