Posted by Artificial Intelligence and Job Loss
I’ve posted a number of articles and reports on artificial intelligence (the most indepth which is here). Recently, I’ve been searching for more specific information about projections and possible remedies to potential job loss and economic impacts of widespread job elimination. Interestingly, I found only a few things – but will keep a lookout for additional information.
The case for the humanities as an educational protection against job loss (2018)
Artificial development and human development (2018). This is a report from Canada delving deep into the individual, social and economic impacts of artificial intelligence expansion (including a thoughtful section about the need to prepare for mass retraining of workforces).
World Economic Forum on the future of jobs (2018)
The question isn’t whether AI will take our jobs…. (2018)
Pew Research – the future of jobs and job training (2017)
World Economic Forum – 4 scenarios for what work will look like in 2030 (2018)
Technology, jobs and the future of work (2017)
Slate has been doing a creative series on the future of work (and of bureacracy) which has some interesting and provocative ideas related to future possibilities in this area. Four articles can be found here. (2019)
Is the amount of surveillance at work increasing? This article says yes. (2019)
While not exactly related to AI, this article does touch upon the really important topic of worker engagement in the workplace and the mission of whatever work is being done. I think it is an interesting sign of the times – particularly as it suggests that workplaces are evolving towards being more “meaning” centered. (2019)
Artificial Intelligence and Health Care
Closer to our own world of social work, here’s an article about how artificial intelligence is increasingly entering health systems/services – watch this space and imagine how social work might be impacted in the future. (2018) . Here’s another quick piece on artificial intelligence in health care called “The Robot Will See You Now.” (2017) Pieces like this make it clear that social work would be wise to think about ways to partner with these tools – and be clear about what essential roles we play that are not replaceable. While the piece doesn’t specifically address possible job loss, it is a thought provoking couple of articles.
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Disaster Relief
Another fascinating area of rapid development in artificial intelligence is that of disaster relief. This piece gives a good overview of the possibilities and emerging practices.
Equity in Tech
New bill in congress called the Algorhithmic Accountability Act (2019) – this is an article about the background and rationale for this important and future facing bill.
Tech ethics in higher education (2019)
Tech/Social Media and Social Change
All social workers can likely boost their reach by understanding more about how to use tech and social media to achieve their goals. This article is a helpful overview of some important strategies and opportunities.
Data and tech as the future of cities – a good foundation article, though as social workers, we will undoubtedly ask more questions about equity and other justice related quality of life city planning issues. (2019)
Though a 2017 article, this piece explores the way that hashtags (such as with #Blacklivematter) have ushered in a new era of social change, and this study informs ways to frame our understanding of what these new tools and platforms may have to offer change agents, as well as limitations.
Imagining Possible Futures
Nine sci-fi subgenres to help you understand the future (2018). This whole field is known as “speculative fiction” and is becoming an increasingly important in futures study. This article is interesting and fun.
Touch, Tech and Loneliness
With so much tech in our lives now and in the future, and with loneliness and human isolation now considered to be a major social problem expected to grow, what is the future of human connection. This article about human need for touch has interesting implications. What are the implications for ethical social work in this space? (2019)
Menstruation Surveillance
There are increasing numbers of women’s health apps, but this article asks if there might be a downside. (2019)
Hey What’s a Hackathon?
Hackathon’s are places where creative and tech-friendly folks come together to solve problems through partnerships between tech and other resources. It has been suggested that hackathon’s are important places for social workers to explore and participate in to contribute our knowledge and skills to the mix . Here’s a great brief video introduction to the culture and practice of hackathons! (2013) Here’s a few more resources to get you started if you want to learn more:
Social Work Futures 