Andrew Yang, the former Democratic presidential candidate and entrepreneur, recently tweeted a statement that has sparked discussions in the tech and labor industries. In his tweet, Yang wrote, “If you think your job is safe from computers, you’ll probably be wrong eventually. The purpose and nature of work is going to change a lot in the next 10 years.”
Yang’s assertion is not new; it has been discussed by economists and experts for decades. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and automation over recent years, many believe that we are on the cusp of significant changes in our workforce.
According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute published in 2017, up to one-third of workers in advanced economies could be displaced by automation by 2030. The report also noted that while some jobs will disappear entirely due to technological advancements, others will evolve as they incorporate new technologies into their work process.
Some examples of this phenomenon can already be seen today. Self-driving cars are poised to replace truck drivers who transport goods across long distances. Automated kiosks have replaced cashiers at fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s.
The impact of technology on employment is not a new concept either; it has been happening for centuries. Machines have replaced manual laborers since the Industrial Revolution began around 1760-1840 AD.
However, what makes this current wave different is its scale and speed. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and replacing jobs across various sectors much faster than before.
In his book “The War on Normal People,” which was referenced in his tweet, Yang highlights how automation threatens entire industries such as retail or manufacturing where millions of people are employed today. He argues that without intervention from policymakers or businesses themselves to retrain workers or create alternative job opportunities for them, these individuals could face unemployment or underemployment.
While some may argue that technological advancements lead to more efficient workplaces and higher productivity levels overall (which ultimately leads to more job opportunities), others worry that the benefits of these advancements will not be equally distributed, and the wealth gap could widen further.
In conclusion, Andrew Yang’s tweet highlights a critical issue that our society must address in the coming years. The impact of technology on employment is vast and affects millions of people across various sectors. While some jobs may disappear entirely due to automation, others will evolve as they incorporate new technologies into their work process. Policymakers and businesses must work together to ensure that workers are retrained or provided with alternative job opportunities to reduce unemployment or underemployment rates.