By Gabrielle Seunagal
A recent report by the Los Angeles Times indicates that up to 38% of American jobs are at risk of being occupied by robots by the early 2030s. This alarming prediction is based on the advancement rates of artificial intelligence and technology. Food service, hospitality, truck driving, and other low wage jobs are at risk of being automated. Many Americans who work in these fields should be alarmed, thus working towards jobs or careers that require particular skill sets.
The study confirms the increasing gap between the rich and poor members of society. Americans with careers or jobs that require skills and/or education shall continue to thrive in the working world while blue-collar workers are replaced by artificial intelligence. Service industry jobs are dying. It is critical for Americans to obtain prowess if they wish to succeed in the modern world.
In theory, the rise of artificial intelligence in the workforce serves as an offshoot of Darwinism. Darwinism is the theory that circumstances arise which allow for only the fittest members of society to thrive, while their weaker counterparts are left behind. The ‘fitter’ Americans who possess expertise, education, and value will continue to advance; those without the needed capabilities will be left behind. It is pure natural selection at work. Individuals who aspire to prosper in the modern world will take the necessary steps to ensure their success.
The White House’s Council of Economic Advisors asserts an 83% chance that workers who make under $20/hr will be succeeded by artificial intelligence and demoted to the unemployment line. For a plethora of service industry workers, this should serve as a severe warning. Many young people are working for less than $20/hr. The time to acquire skill sets is now. The world is advancing. Technology is advancing. We the people must also advance. Those who fail to upgrade their areas of expertise will not make it.