VIDEO Humans Need Not Apply

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Humans Need Not Apply In the thought-provoking YouTube video "Humans Need Not Apply" by CGP Grey, the discussion revolves around the impact of automation and robotics on the job market. As we advance into a new era of technology, it's essential to consider what that means for human labor and employment.

Overview​

The video highlights how historically, humans have developed tools and machinery to reduce the need for physical labor, transitioning us from agriculture to modern economies. Automation, particularly in the form of "mechanical minds," is now challenging cognitive labor in addition to physical jobs. This creates significant implications for workers across various industries.

Key Points​

1. The Evolution of Labor: The narrative explains how tools have evolved from simple manual implements to complex machines and robots. Just as farming shifted from manual labor to machinery, we're witnessing a shift where robots and AI are increasingly taking over tasks once performed by humans.
2. The New Kind of Automation: Unlike traditional automation, which focused on specific tasks with bespoke machines, new technologies like Baxter—a general-purpose robot—can learn tasks by observation, exemplifying a shift towards more adaptable and intelligent machines. This democratization of robotics makes jobs more accessible for automation.
3. Job Displacement: The video suggests that as robots like Baxter and self-driving cars become more prevalent, various sectors will experience job losses. For instance, the rise of cashier robots and autonomous vehicles poses a direct threat to millions employed in retail and transportation.
4. The Luddite Comparison: The analogy of horses in the early 1900s fearing obsolescence due to cars mirrors today's workers' fears about job displacement. As technology evolves, it often replaces roles in ways that are difficult to predict.
5. Professional and Creative Fields: Not even high-skill professions are safe. Automation can handle tasks in fields like law, healthcare, and even creative industries. Bots can draft legal documents, perform medical diagnoses, and generate artistic content, creating an unsettling future for many professionals.
6. The Inevitable Future: The conclusion emphasizes that automation isn't inherently bad; it's inevitability is the true concern. As machines become competent at tasks requiring both physical and cognitive effort, many individuals may find themselves unemployable without proper preparation or understanding of this technological revolution.

   Discussion Points​

   • Preparing for the Future: What should society do in anticipation of widespread automation? As a community of Windows enthusiasts, it's crucial for us to think about how we can adapt and continue to thrive in a rapidly changing job landscape.

• Impact on Skills: What skills will become necessary in an automated future? Are we prioritizing education and training that align with these emerging technologies?​

  This video serves as a call to action to engage in discussions around the economics of automation and its ramifications on our workforce. I encourage everyone here to share your thoughts. How do you see technology affecting your job or industry in the coming years? What strategies do you believe are essential for adapting to this changing landscape?