The impact of artificial intelligence on various fields has been a topic of discussion for many people. It has prompted widespread anxiety about job losses, and the tech industry is not immune to this concern.
So, as a programmer, should I be worried? It's a complex question.
To answer this question, let's break down what programmers do-
Programmers, or software developers, create, test, and maintain software applications. They solve problems using coding languages, designing algorithms, and managing data. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly advanced, it's important to remember that humans possess judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are challenging for AI to replicate fully. In addition to this, the complexity and variability of coding scenarios make it difficult for AI to substitute programmers entirely.
A software engineer does not write codes randomly. They can think logically and rationally about a situation, idea, or concept. It involves questioning and evaluating information rather than simply accepting what they already know. For humans, we call it critical thinking. Critical thinking is based on evidence, context, conceptualizations, methods, and criteria and analyzes something from every possible aspect before making a judgment or crafting a strategic implementation plan. Programmers often need to consider multiple approaches to solving a problem. And this is where critical thinking comes in.
For example, when I am building a specific feature for an application. Instead of simply writing the first solution that comes to mind, I need to critically evaluate several factors, like how the new feature would interact with existing features of the application, potential edge cases, and the long-term maintainability and scalability.
So, my job is safe! I shouldn't be worried. But wait, Can AI also do this? If you think AI only produces what the system memorized, you should think again!
While not possessing human-like cognition, artificial intelligence can emulate elements of this critical thinking process using many methodologies.
AI algorithms can implement logic, sequence, and patterns in their operations. The recent advanced LLM can follow a series of steps in the problem-solving process, similar to how a software engineer would. This logical thinking can be close to critical thinking.
AI can also use large datasets to test different hypotheses or solutions. Machine Learning algorithms, for instance, can be trained on vast amounts of data and refine their understanding over time through repeated prediction, evaluation, and adjustment processes. Data and empirical evidence drive AI. It can analyze immense volumes of data and draw conclusions based on analyses faster and more accurately than humans in specific scenarios. AI models can consider complex contexts by utilizing a knowledge graph, which maps how different concepts relate. Contextual sensing AI can make inferences based on the connections between other elements within a dataset.
Now, let's compare with the example I gave about a new feature building in software. Can AI do this? Through techniques such as reinforcement learning, AI can determine the best course of action by experimenting with different approaches in a safe environment, assessing each for its impact on the overall system, including edge cases and potential interaction conflicts. Furthermore, machine learning can predict long-term effects and adapt over time to maintain scalability and efficiency.
However, it's vital to remember that while AI can simulate elements of critical thinking, it doesn't 'think' in the same way humans do. AI makes decisions by mathematical calculations and pre-determined algorithms rather than humans' innate understanding and consciousness. But if the result is the same for both AI and humans, we can safely say that AI can replace humans for some tasks. If large companies can replace more tasks using AI, there will be more job loss. But this job loss is one way of thinking because AI also creates new jobs that didn't exist before. The surge in demand for software engineers reflects a growing trend where businesses are migrating towards AI and technology to stay competitive and relevant. It will undoubtedly create more jobs. So, this lens of viewing widespread job loss oversimplifies the matter.
Embracing AI does not necessarily mean an impending wave of job losses but rather a transition into new fields of work. It's akin to when the Industrial Revolution happened—manual labor didn't disappear; it evolved. Jobs will transform, and new sectors will bloom, demanding a labor force with different skill sets. Oversimplifying our thinking that machines will replace humans takes away from understanding the nuances of this AI revolution. Think of AI as a tool for evolution, not a threat to our survival.
The future is bright. You can sense the future, imagine, and make it. AI is here to help humans. But be careful about how you use it.