The Higher Lens : 3
AI's Role in the Future: A Dual Perspective on Change
Not long ago, a special person recommended a fascinating video titled “AI AGENTS EMERGENCY DEBATE” from The Diary of a CEO. The video features thought leaders like Amjad Masad, Bret Weinstein, and Daniel Priestley, who explore the profound potential of AI agents to reshape the future of work, society, and even the very essence of human existence. The provocative question raised in the video is striking: Can AI replace God, steal your job, and change your future? Initially, I was taken aback by the fear-mongering tone, but as I watched, it led me to a deeper reflection on both the challenges and unexpected benefits of AI.
The idea of job displacement is undoubtedly one of the most pressing concerns in this conversation. It’s almost impossible to ignore the reality that automation is rapidly advancing and displacing human workers, particularly in sectors that rely on routine, data-driven tasks. Retail, customer service, transportation, and even (to my surprise) areas like legal research and accounting are already feeling the impact. According to recent studies, it’s estimated that 85 million jobs globally could be displaced by automation by the end of 2025, with AI playing a significant role in this disruption (World Economic Forum, 2023). This number is staggering, and it raises difficult questions about how we, as a society, will adjust to the shifts in the labor market.
However, as I listened to the experts in the video, I started to realize that AI’s potential isn’t just about the threat of job loss—it’s also about the opportunities it could bring. One of the points raised in the discussion was the idea that AI is not just a job destroyer but could actually be a job creator in unforeseen ways. Many of the current job roles being automated are repetitive and labor-intensive, but AI could open up entirely new industries that we can’t even fully imagine yet. Take healthcare, for example. AI has already begun to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases, analyzing medical images, and even helping with personalized treatment plans. The result? More accurate healthcare, improved outcomes, and better efficiency, with professionals freed up to focus on the more human aspects of care.
Beyond healthcare, AI has the potential to revolutionize industries like education, law, and manufacturing. In education, for instance, AI can automate administrative tasks, such as grading or scheduling, which can free up teachers to focus on the more creative and human aspects of teaching that are central to student success. In manufacturing, AI-driven robotics can increase production while reducing human error, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations. And in law, AI tools are already being used to analyze case law, draft contracts, and streamline research,making the legal process faster, more accurate, and more accessible. As a potential aspiring lawyer, this advancement brings me a mix of fascination and concern. It’s both exciting to think about how AI can improve efficiency in law, but it also makes me anxious about the future of legal jobs. If AI continues to progress in this way, what does this mean for those of us who are preparing to enter the legal profession? Will the law and justice system be held accountable by AI? These are serious questions, especially as we are the future generation of lawyers , policymakers, teachers, financial experts, and workers in countless other professions. If AI becomes the primary tool for legal research, drafting, and even decision-making, how can we ensure that justice remains human-centered, fair, and accountable? This uncertainty is what makes the future of AI both thrilling and daunting.
But with these advancements come challenges. As AI continues to evolve, it raises questions not just about how jobs will be affected but about how society will adapt to this rapid technological change. One of the concerns brought up in the video ,and something I’ve thought about myself , is the widening gap between those who have access to AI-driven tools and those who don’t. The wealthiest companies and individuals will have the means to integrate AI into their operations and lives, further reinforcing inequalities. Meanwhile, those in lower-income or less tech-savvy sectors could find themselves at a severe disadvantage. How do we ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly across society? How do we retrain workers whose skills have been rendered obsolete? These are questions that demand careful thought and action from policymakers, businesses, and communities alike.
What struck me most about the debate, however, was not just the focus on the risks but also the emphasis on adaptability. Experts like Bret Weinstein pointed out that while AI may make certain jobs obsolete, it also pushes us to evolve , to rethink what work means and how we can use technology to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. The debate is not just about whether AI will take our jobs; it’s about how we will navigate this transformation. It’s an invitation to innovate, to upskill, and to think differently about the future of work.
Interestingly, one of the more provocative comments came from Bret Weinstein himself, who raised the question: Can AI replace God? This is not just a theological question but a philosophical one about the nature of human creativity, consciousness, and purpose. Weinstein’s argument was that as AI evolves and takes on increasingly complex tasks, some may start to see it as an omnipotent force that can perform functions that were once seen as inherently human , or even divine. AI could eventually surpass human capacities in many ways, making decisions that seem objective and flawless, much like the omniscience attributed to a higher power. This question pushed me to think about the deeper implications of AI: Could we risk losing our sense of what makes us human by creating machines that are so powerful they begin to redefine not just our jobs, but our roles in the world? If AI becomes so integral to every part of life, will it start to dictate not just what we do, but what we value, who we are, and how we view the universe?
Ultimately, watching the video made me realize that while there’s undeniable cause for concern regarding AI’s impact on jobs, there’s also room for optimism. The key is not to fear technology but to understand it, to embrace its potential while acknowledging its challenges. It’s about finding balance , between ensuring that workers are supported in the transition and leveraging AI to create new opportunities and industries.
This moment of technological change offers us a chance to rethink our relationship with work, technology, and progress. AI could be a force for good, but only if we approach it with caution, creativity, and responsibility. The future of work won’t be shaped solely by what jobs AI replaces, but by how we choose to harness its potential. As the experts in the video emphasised, the future is coming fast, but it’s up to us to decide how we want to shape it.
Artificial Intelligence and their agents may change the world, but it’s up to us to determine how we live within it.
Vlera Gara