This is the story of a typewriter, driven by an artificial intelligence, which could eventually take care of many tasks hitherto devolved to humans. Yes, reality today exceeds fiction. In recent months, the emergence of tools using artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, has gradually brought to light the big question of the replacement of humans by machines. In recent months, some software has shown its ability to analyze and generate text, images, but also data.
In the United States, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with OpenAI, the founding company of ChatGPT, and OpenResearch attempted to measure the potential consequences of artificial intelligence tools on the American labor market. Based on the database O*NET 27.2, the researchers screened nearly 1,000 occupations in the United States, in a wide variety of fields. Faced with the dazzling progress of these new technologies, they predict that artificial intelligence software will have a considerable impact on the job market.
At least 80% of jobs affected
The first results show that a majority of jobs will see transformations in one form or another, to varying degrees. According to the study, nearly 80% of jobs will see at least 10% of their tasks transformed by artificial intelligence. While for 19% of trades, 50% of tasks could be affected. The study further suggests that with an AI tool like ChatGPT, “15% of all worker tasks in the United States could be completed much faster, and at the same level of quality.”
The study also highlights the nature of the professions threatened by artificial intelligence. These include jobs where the use of computer software is central. And for good reason: the study underlines that ChatGPT excels in translation, classification, creative writing and in the production of computer code.
In other words, professions requiring programming and writing skills could experience significant changes. The same applies to certain scientific professions which make extensive use of calculations and statistics. Accountants would thus be among the professionals whose careers will be most exposed to the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence, according to the study. By comparing human and machine capabilities, the researchers found that at least half of accounting tasks could be accomplished much faster with technology. The same goes for mathematicians, interpreters or even writers.
Trades relying on skilled labor are expected to see only “very limited” change. Some careers would not be affected at all, such as stonemasons, machinery operators, athletes, plumbers, tilers, mechanics or even cooks. However, this work does not give the share of jobs that could be lost forever.