The AI-driven technological revolution is reshaping the global labor market at an unprecedented pace. While the steam engine triggered the Industrial Revolution, today's AI is poised to transform white‑collar professions, redefine job roles, and deepen social inequalities. BONA explores how to navigate this seismic shift.
Just as the steam engine replaced physical labor in the 19th century—eventually creating banking and management jobs—today’s AI is disrupting not only manual tasks but also creative and cognitive work. Even IT professionals and white-collar workers are at risk, as automation encroaches into knowledge-intensive fields.
Recent projections highlight a stark imbalance:
- Up to 83 million jobs may be lost due to AI within the next five years.
- Yet 69 million new roles are expected to emerge, many requiring digital fluency.
- Today’s AI can already automate 70% of workforce tasks, and nearly 25% of routine tasks are performed via automation tools like AI chatbots (McKinsey, Goldman Sachs).
These trends suggest that certain roles will vanish, while new ones—many undefined today—will flourish.
Yuval Noah Harari and experts urge preparation for a world where professions don’t last a lifetime. People will need:
- Continuous learning,
- Adaptation to new technologies,
- Humanistic skills like ethical reasoning, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Without these, workers risk falling behind as machines take on routine and predictable tasks.
The automation wave could deepen existing inequalities. Those with access to education and AI tools stand to benefit, while others—particularly in Global South countries—may lose out. Without proactive policies, automation may widen the gap between affluent and marginalized communities.
AI systems generate text and reports, but they often hallucinate or misinterpret context. One case: the Los Angeles Times used AI to auto-publish an outdated earthquake report, which turned out to be false news. Such errors highlight the need for human oversight and editorial standards.
The AI revolution offers tremendous potential—but not without trade-offs. Society must prioritize:
- Reskilling and education, especially for vulnerable workers;
- Inclusion of humanistic disciplines in curricula;
- Policies ensuring equitable access to AI tools and fair labor transitions.
Workers, educators, and civil society organizations like BONA all have vital roles in shaping a future where AI empowers—not replaces—human agency.
Source: Adapted from Mreža Mira (Rad u doba tehnološke revolucije vještačke inteligencije, May 4, 2025)