IS TECHNOLOGY JEOPARDIZING EMPLOYMENT?

“It’s not that we use technology, we live technology”. This famous quote by Godfrey Reggio says it all, and explains how heavily dependent we as human beings, are on technology. From doing little things to completing big hefty tasks, we are completely reliable on the internet. With the changing times and the arrival of the modern era, not man but bots and machines are becoming smart. Smarter, to an extent where we can possibly expect some man made machines to steal our jobs from us.

With the increase in technology and our heavy dependence on it, also is increasing the problem of “Technological Unemployment”, which is a key type of Structural Unemployment. With the advancement in the working and functioning of the various industries with the help of new machines and all types of tech, the labour work is starting to decrease. In a recent research done by the World Bank, the statistics shows that Automation is one of the leading factors responsible for the growing unemployment in various countries. It has affected 69% jobs in India, 77% in China and 85% in Ethiopia.

Speaking of India, according to newer reports, the IT sector can be hugely affected in a negative way due to automation. It is estimated that, about 2 lac IT engineers can lose their jobs annually in the next 3 years.  However, this may only take place at remote areas such as Coimbatore, etc. Metro cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. may not have to experience such a major change in their working sectors.

Not only is the IT Sector affected, but India’s auto sector is also threatened by this very problem of automation. With a sudden fall in sales of cars and motorbikes, the job opportunities for workers is decreasing as many manufacturers have shut down their companies and industries for longer periods of time. This leaves the many workers absolutely jobless with nothing to do in hand.

The introduction of “driverless metros” in Delhi, threats to the working opportunities of the workers in the IT Sector, artificial intelligence in content, baking sectors, security sectors, are all examples of how automation has impacted the condition of employment in the country. The major criticism about automation, however, has to be lay-offs. From leaving a job, to joining another one and still not be able to have to the skill sets becomes a big challenge for the employee, because at the end of the day, tech is superseding the skills of human.

However, automation does have a bright side to it as well. Amongst all the negative impact that it has on the service sector, it does bring some bright change with it as well. For instance, automation does work to increase productivity, and it also raises efficiency. Not just that, automation also, reduces the cost prices for the working of the industry which eventually means higher profits. And once, there are higher profits, they will serve as funds for better and bigger projects, which in turn can increase job opportunities and actually create employment.

Therefore, in conclusion, Automation and Technology may have their negative impact on Employment but if used correctly and with the right measures, even they can be proven a boon for the service sector.

By-

Nandini Sharma

Student Reporter, INBA