In a new research document released by the World Bank Group and the International Labour Organization, scientists tried to answer some of the most currently asked questions regarding job safety.
Researchers discovered that generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, could have alternating effects on jobs and other activities that generate income for Latin countries and Caribbean people.
However, the lack of automation, digital infrastructure, and other discrepancies from Latin countries and the Caribbean could prevent or slow the potential effects of generative artificial intelligence.
According to the generative AI layoffs paper research, between 26% and 38% of jobs in Latin countries and the auxiliary regions are vulnerable to genAI. Generative AI is more likely to transform and enhance regional jobs than directly automate them. Integrating genAI could improve productivity and improve 8% to 14% of jobs.
Simultaneously, 2% to 5% of the Latin countries' jobs could encounter the possibility of full automation, resulting in tech layoffs. Even though the numbers might seem relatively small, the potential impact of automation and generative AI on people’s existence should not be minimized.
There is still a vast category of jobs for which it is uncertain whether the impact will be summarized in augmentation or full automation. The final consequences will depend on the development and expansion of generative artificial intelligence in the future.
Who and what are the Jobs that will be replaced by AI?
As stated by the generative AI layoffs study, some minority groups from Latin countries, younger and with superior educations, from the formal sectors of urban areas, such as banking, finance, or public administration, are more likely to be vulnerable to automation through artificial intelligence and tech layoffs.
As for the question “Will robots take my job?” The good news is that many more employed people from Latin countries will benefit from generative AI rather than be completely replaced. Remunerated and self-employed workers, such as hairdressers, sellers, architects, or real estate representatives, as well as those working in education, health systems, or personal services, are more likely to not be affected by the tech layoffs.
Governments from Latin countries and the Caribbean should conduct policies to protect jobs and minimize tech layoffs due to automation and the spread of genAI. They should create programs that enhance workers’ skills to integrate the new genAI tools into their jobs and tasks, increasing productivity and creativity.