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IS AI MAKING US LAZY ?
Lethabo Lubisi , Corporate Affairs Director at EQPlus , shares their thoughts on the debate .
Every time labour-saving technologies are introduced questions are raised about whether these negatively impact human motivation and productivity . The integration of AI into our daily work tasks has seen many people raise the question of whether this technology is making us lazy . While some argue that AI enhances productivity and efficiency , others say it reduces our ability to think critically and engage in other mentally demanding tasks .
There is little need to argue the fact that AI has transformed the workplace . Automating repetitive tasks and freeing up employees to concentrate more on strategic activities have become part and parcel of the modern business environment . AI can process a significant amount of data quickly to transform analytics , customer service ( thanks to the growing adoption of self-service bots ), and supply chain management ( by optimising processes ).
However , the efficiency brought by AI raises concerns about potential laziness or complacency among workers . Even more significantly , the way AI systems collect and use data for making predictions and understanding patterns can introduce biases and discrimination . According to a recent study , AI has many complex preexisting impacts regarding human rights because it is not installed or implemented against a blank slate but as a backdrop of societal conditions . Furthermore , another study argues that AI will slowly starve the human brain of thoughtfulness and mental efforts as it gets deep into each activity , like planning and organising . High-level reliance on AI may degrade professional skills and generate stress when physical or brain measures are needed .
For example , if financial analysts depend solely on AI for data analysis , they might
lose their analytical skills over time . AI can provide solutions faster than humans , potentially reducing employees ’ involvement in problem-solving processes , and thereby diminishing their ability to think critically and independently . These points suggest that while AI can enhance productivity , it might also contribute to a decline in employee engagement and skill development .
Managing technology
To mitigate against these risks , decisionmakers need to find a balance between using AI while still ensuring employees are actively engaged with their work . One of the ways this can be done is through
continuous training initiatives . These programmes can focus on a combination of unlocking the potential of AI as well as enhancing traditional skills .
AI should not be seen as an either-or scenario . Companies can integrate the technology to provide employees with the means to do their jobs more efficiently . For instance , AI can handle data collection and initial analysis . However , people should interpret the results and make strategic decisions . The technology must never be left to its own devices to make critical changes . Human oversight will remain an essential part of the use of AI in a business .
This means that establishing guidelines for the ethical use of AI can ensure that the technology complements rather than replaces human effort . Decision-makers can look to introduce limitations on what tasks are automated and which ones require human insights .
AI as a resource
Of course , there is no arguing about the potential of AI in the workplace . However , companies must be cautious in not over-relying on the technology . For example , instead of just accepting AI recommendations , employees can use them as a starting point and apply their own critical thinking to it .
Decision-makers should also advise employees to challenge themselves with new tasks . While AI automates some of the time-intensive tasks , workers can capitalise by upskilling and reskilling themselves . They can also set aside time in their diaries to focus on strategic thinking tasks that they would not ordinarily have gotten around to doing without AI .
So , despite the risk of AI making some people lazy , the opportunities that the technology will unlock are too good to ignore . AI will become an indispensable part of the way we work . However , we must remember that AI is just a tool and not a replacement . �
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