JOBS AT RISK

[1] You see a scanner, a monitor, and a bank payment terminal.

[2] I see a robot.

[3] You see, we often harbor silly images in our brain about the technology that will take our jobs.

[4] Let me explain: the technology that will take our jobs is not advertised as job-taking technology from the start.

[5] The solution in the photo probably sells itself as something that "makes life easier for the traveler," the important thing is not to expose the other side: this device does not join any union nor asks for bonuses or social security.

[6] This stand of magazines, sweets, and gifts is large but only has one person watching to keep the merchandise in order.

[7] There are three scanners, three monitors, and three bank payment terminals just in this stand.

[8] These are three jobs that the business owner is not creating.

[9] Now—if you have been reading for a while—you will know that it is not my style to speak negatively about technology or join the drama of the disappearance of jobs and defend labor rights that I consider anachronistic and so on. My personal bet is to be constantly techno-optimistic.

[10] The configuration of this solution in the photo is something very basic for anyone who knows about systems, it is not really something novel or innovative. With this, I want to tell you that just as this technology has been present for decades but is only now becoming more natural to insert in places like Walmart, parking lots, and others, the things that will replace us tomorrow already exist today but are just entering the long road of social adoption.

[11] Artificial intelligence—for example—will soon replace professional Hollywood makeup artists. I just saw a few days ago the presentation of a software that performs a super professional job for actors in action, ideal for producers who are always looking to cut costs. Interestingly, next to me was sitting one of those Hollywood producers and he confirmed that he loved the idea. These are not cheap TikTok-style filters but sophisticated tools that can perfectly maintain the layer while accompanying the actors in each of their scenes.

[12] Look, when Tim Berners-Lee invented the web, it didn't occur to him that it was going to generate jobs like "influencers," "social media marketing strategists," "community managers," and other things that today put money on the table for millions around the world.

[13] And even more extreme: the pioneers of the creation of the internet could never have foreseen the generation of professions like "data scientist," a prestigious occupation and therefore, very well paid.

[14] Robotic and artificial intelligence technology will destroy many jobs—as I am explaining here—but it is unfair to think that this is the complete version of the story.

[15] The complete version of the story is that at the same time we will have new occupations that today we cannot even imagine—and that if we try to visualize them, we censor ourselves for how ridiculous they sound. But they will exist, it's normal.

[16] If you do average marketing, if you write in an average way, if you edit in an average way, artificial intelligence has already been replacing you without much problem for a year.

[17] If you do great marketing, if you write in a great way, if you edit in a great way, artificial intelligence has already been boosting your creations to even more sophisticated levels for a year.

[18] Technology is not the problem.

[19] Your mentality and execution can be the problem if you don't train them to embrace changes with a good attitude and intelligence.

[20] When we don't do it this way, when we let our personal operating system be dominated by the drama app, everything is a problem, technology or not.

[21] The best recipe to combat the loss of a job due to technology is to stay curious about it and see what more we can get involved in.

[22] There are already driverless taxis in several cities around the world. There is already exclusive medical care with artificial intelligence. There are already checkout boxes without humans taking your money. There are already faces made up without makeup artists. Your successful medical doctor diploma does not save you from this. Your experience in customer service doesn't either. These notes are for all of us.

[23] Denial is a hallmark of those who are not aware of the reality of the world or understand the aggressive dynamics of technology.

[24] Let playing the game better and better be your style, make it your modus operandi, let machines be threats for those who cling to the thought and execution of the old guard. You? You be a true avant-garde pro.

—A.