In a twist that surprises approximately no one who has been alive for the past decade, a new report suggests that artificial intelligence might do what your boss pretends he’s not doing already: slowly, irreversibly replace you.
The study, commissioned by none other than the International Monetary Fund, found that AI could affect nearly 40 percent of jobs globally, a figure that sounds suspiciously like half when you’re trying to sleep at night. The impact is expected to be more severe in advanced economies where companies have both the money and the moral flexibility to automate more functions. In these regions, up to 60 percent of jobs may feel the cold metallic hand of AI tapping them on the shoulder and quietly suggesting early retirement.
Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva, who presumably wrote this with one hand on her keyboard and the other pouring tea into a British mug labeled “Reality,” warned, “We must seize the promise of AI, while putting in place the policies to avert its peril.” The policy recommendations in the 2024 report included modest proposals such as updating social safety nets, investing in education and lifelong learning and generally preparing society for a world where the only people with stable employment are those who write AI policy reports.
Not all hope is lost, though. The IMF says AI could increase productivity and boost GDP figures globally, which is wonderful news for GDP and less wonderful news for anyone who finds GDP to be a fickle roommate during hard times. Some jobs may even beneficently coexist with AI, suggesting a future where humans and their algorithmic assistants perform synchronized dances of professional utility until layoffs do them part.
Of course, not all regions will experience the AI revolution evenly. Emerging markets and lower-income nations may see smaller short-term impacts, mostly because the luxury of rounding out middle-management with software is something reserved for corporations that also have diversity task forces and casual Fridays.
“The stakes are high,” Georgieva said. “And the time to act is now.”
Nothing like an existential warning wrapped in vague inspiration to really get the policymakers moving, or at least to briefly look up from their phones.
So while AI may not take your job tomorrow, it might show up soon wearing a nicely pressed suit and a résumé that says “better, faster and never asks for a raise.”
Remember, if your job can be done by a toaster with Wi-Fi, it might soon be.