AI Disruption: 70% of Computer Jobs at Risk?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving at an astonishing pace, and experts warn that its economic and social impact could be nothing short of transformative—or even disruptive. A recent study suggests that AI could either significantly alter or completely eliminate up to 70% of computer-assisted jobs, fuelling calls for stricter governmental oversight of this rapidly advancing technology.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has raised concerns about AI's far-reaching consequences, particularly for industries heavily reliant on computer-based tasks. As AI systems become more sophisticated, their role in reshaping the job market and economic structures is becoming increasingly evident.

AI’s Influence on Key Sectors

According to IPPR’s latest report, industries such as project management, marketing, and administrative support are expected to experience the most significant transformations due to AI integration. The study analysed 22,000 routine job functions and found that approximately 70% of tasks performed in these roles could either be significantly altered or rendered obsolete.

Despite growing adoption, AI policies worldwide have largely focused on accelerating technological integration and ensuring its safety. However, experts argue that the broader economic and social ramifications of AI remain underexplored. The most substantial impact is anticipated in organisational strategies and analytical job functions, where AI's automation capabilities are rapidly expanding.

Global Efforts to Address AI’s Growth

This discussion gains relevance ahead of the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris, where world leaders, industry specialists, top tech executives, and academics will deliberate on strategies for the global deployment of AI.

Last month, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled Britain’s AI Action Plan, aiming to position the country as a global AI leader while boosting economic growth. The plan priorities:

• Enhancing AI infrastructure across the UK,
• Establishing development zones for AI innovation,
• Strengthening regulatory frameworks for AI safety, and
• Expanding AI use in public sectors to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The debate over AI’s long-term impact on the global job market continues to intensify. While some experts warn that AI advancements may lead to widespread job losses, others, including several tech executives, emphasise that AI is designed to enhance human productivity rather than replace workers altogether.

The Rise of AI Agents: A New Era of Automation

In recent weeks, OpenAI has introduced its first AI agents—autonomous AI tools capable of executing specific tasks independently. This emerging field is expected to revolutionise both employment structures and daily life, with many experts likening it to a paradigm shift in technology.

Last year, IPPR issued a stark warning that, in a worst-case scenario, AI could displace up to 8 million jobs in the UK alone. Carsten Jung, head of AI research at IPPR, stressed that political strategies must evolve alongside AI’s rapid development.

The Need for Policy Adaptation

Jung argues that AI is not just another technological tool but a fundamental game-changer. “Artificial intelligence is progressing at an unprecedented pace. The introduction of AI agents demonstrates that this technology differs from previous innovations—it’s not merely an instrument but an active participant in decision-making processes,” he stated.

He further elaborated that AI will redefine the labor market by eliminating traditional roles, creating new job categories, fostering the development of innovative products and services, and enabling human workers to perform previously unimaginable tasks.

However, with such transformative potential comes the need for careful governance. “Given AI’s capacity for profound change, we must guide its development in a way that addresses critical societal challenges rather than exacerbating existing inequalities,” Jung added.

Ethical AI Governance: The Road Ahead

Jung emphasised that political frameworks must not only ensure AI’s safety but also determine its broader purpose. He advocated for democratic discussions and stringent oversight to establish clear guidelines and objectives for AI deployment. “Public participation is crucial in defining AI’s goals and limitations. We must ensure that AI serves humanity’s best interests rather than being dictated solely by corporate or governmental agendas.”

The Social and Psychological Impact of AI

Beyond economic implications, AI is already reshaping social dynamics. IPPR’s latest research reveals that approximately 930,000 individuals in the UK have AI-powered digital companions on platforms like Character.ai. Many users have reportedly formed emotional attachments to these chatbot entities, raising concerns about the long-term psychological effects—particularly on younger demographics.

While AI companionship may offer emotional support, experts caution against potential dependency and unforeseen mental health consequences. As AI becomes increasingly ingrained in daily life, understanding its social impact will be just as crucial as regulating its economic role.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future concept—it is actively reshaping economies, job markets, and even human relationships. While AI presents remarkable opportunities for innovation and efficiency, its disruptive potential cannot be ignored. Striking the right balance between technological advancement and ethical oversight will be key to ensuring that AI serves as a force for progress rather than a source of instability.

 

References:

1.    Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Report: A comprehensive analysis by IPPR indicates that up to 8 million jobs in the UK are at risk due to AI advancements, particularly in back-office, entry-level, and part-time positions. ippr.org

2.    Pew Research Center Study: This study reveals that in 2022, 19% of American workers were in jobs highly exposed to AI, with tasks that could be either replaced or assisted by AI technologies. pewresearch.org

3.    World Economic Forum's "The Future of Jobs Report 2020": The report predicts that AI could replace 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025, while also creating 97 million new roles, highlighting a significant shift in the global job market.

4.    McKinsey Global Institute Analysis: Research by McKinsey suggests that while less than 5% of occupations can be fully automated, about 60% have at least 30% of activities that could be automated, indicating substantial potential for AI-driven transformation in various job sectors.

5.    "Robots and Jobs: Evidence from US Labor Markets" by Daron Acemoglu and Pascual Restrepo: This study found that the addition of one robot per 1,000 workers led to a reduction in the employment-to-population ratio by 0.2 percentage points and a wage decline of 0.42%, underscoring the tangible impact of automation on employment.

6.    "The Future of Employment: How Susceptible Are Jobs to Computerisation?" by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael A. Osborne: This seminal paper estimates that 47% of total US employment is at risk due to computerization, with a significant number of computer-related jobs susceptible to automation.

7.    "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work" by the Brookings Institution: This report discusses the potential for AI to displace workers in various sectors, emphasizing the need for policy interventions to manage the transition effectively.

8.    "Automation and the Future of Work in India" by the Center for the Advanced Study of India (CASI): The study projects that by 2030, 69% of jobs in India's formal employment sector could be automated, highlighting the global nature of AI's impact on employment.