Google says no ‘straight line’ between generative AI and unemployment — for now

As an analyst with a background in technology and economics, I find Google’s study on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment intriguing, but also cautionary. Based on my understanding of the report, it appears that while there is no straight line correlation between AI adoption and unemployment in the short term, there are potential implications for the workforce that cannot be ignored.


According to a recent study conducted by Google, there isn’t a straightforward relationship linking the advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and rising unemployment rates.

On April 25th, MIT Sloan School of Management’s principal research scientist Andrew McAfee from the Big Tech company published a study about the far-reaching economic consequences of generative AI on a global scale.

As an analyst, I’ve reviewed the findings and discovered that no straightforward relationship exists between the two variables at present. This situation isn’t likely to change significantly “in the near future,” given the existing technological constraints.

“It is not yet able to reliably do multi-step work that involves planning, reasoning, or memory.”

In my research, I came across a study published in 2023 that put hundreds of questions to the test for humans and leading AI systems, all focusing on the necessary skills. The results showed an average human accuracy rate of 92%, whereas the machines managed just 15% correct answers.

As a data analyst, I’ve come across a fascinating finding from a recent study. The research indicated that generative AI is set to make significant strides forward, thanks to the relentless pursuit of knowledge in addressing its limitations through rigorous investigation.

As a researcher studying the advancements in artificial intelligence, I recently came across an intriguing comparison. I examined OpenAI’s language model, specifically the version 3.5 released towards the end of 2022, which gained significant attention and sparked the current AI craze. This model only outperformed approximately 10% of human scorers on the U.S. bar exam.

In simple terms, the findings indicate that there is an abundance of significant tasks requiring human intervention in every community. Despite robots and artificial intelligence’s advanced capabilities today, a considerable portion of this work remains beyond their reach.

The new Industrial Revolution

The research paper published by Google referred to artificial intelligence (AI) as a “multifaceted technology,” drawing an analogy with the steam engine, a pivotal invention from the late 1800s that fueled the global Industrial Revolution.

As a analyst, I would put it this way: Contrary to the Technology’s incremental expansion during the Industrial Revolution era, the consequences of Generative AI are predicted to materialize more expeditiously.

As a researcher, I found that the primary reason for the quick global adoption of this improvement lies in the well-established infrastructure already in place. This infrastructure facilitates efficient implementation on a large scale. Additionally, its accessibility makes it an attractive option for individuals to start utilizing it right away.

As a crypto investor dabbling in generative AI, I can tell you that one of the best things about using these tools is that you don’t have to be a tech whiz to get started. The user interface and programming language are not new mountains to climb. Instead, proficiency comes with time and practice. So, even if you don’t have extensive computer skills, you can still make the most of generative AI.

Transforming the workforce 

As an analyst, I’ve reviewed a study that raises some concerns about the impact of technology on employment. Although it’s important to note that this technology may not lead to “massive technological unemployment,” there are signs that it could affect higher-paying job sectors. In simpler terms, the labor force in these areas might experience significant changes or even shrink, leading to what’s referred to as “hollowing out.”

“For all the work done in a modern economy finds that generative AI affects more of the tasks done by college graduates than by high-school only graduates.”

The technology has the capability to alter business competition dynamics, implying that advanced AI models might favor a select few “standouts” within an industry, enabling them to surpass their competitors more effectively.

“As established companies undergo transitions and let go of employees, the pool of job seekers and the necessity for acquiring updated skills will expand. Contrary to this trend, findings indicate that businesses heavily engaged in machine learning have been less likely to resort to layoffs.”

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2024-04-29 15:46