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AI Disruption and Opportunity: Preparing for the New Work Landscape

James Paek
6 min readNov 10, 2023

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The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world, promising innovation and efficiency. However, this technological leap brings with it a wave of concern, particularly regarding its impact on employment. As AI becomes increasingly adept at performing a range of tasks, the anxiety that machines might replace human workers is not just a dystopian fantasy, but a tangible reality for many.

According to Stanford University economist Nicholas Bloom, fully remote, low-level jobs like call centers and data entry are particularly vulnerable to AI disruption. This sentiment is echoed in a McKinsey report which suggests that even high earners in white-collar roles are not immune. The crux of the issue lies in AI’s capability to automate not just manual, but cognitive tasks, challenging the traditional job market landscape.

The International Labour Organization’s findings add a concerning layer to this narrative, highlighting a disproportionate impact on women, with 21 million jobs held by women in high-income countries being potentially automatable. This gendered effect of automation warrants serious consideration from policymakers and industry leaders.

However, amid these foreboding forecasts, there is a silver lining. Experts argue that AI’s ascendancy could be…

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James Paek
James Paek

Written by James Paek

James Paek is an expert writer on a diverse range of subjects including SDGs, global issues, policy, criminal justice, economy, and other topics.

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