AI now talks better than most Aussies and workers fear their jobs are on the line

ChatGPT and other AI tools are now better at talking like humans — and it’s fuelling fears that thousands of Aussie jobs could be on the line. See how you’re affected

Artificial intelligence can now communicate better than most humans, increasing fears among workers that the technology will lead to significant job losses.

Systems using AI, including conversational chatbots such as ChatGPT, have become so skilled at writing empathetically and persuasively that they consistently fool people into thinking they are talking to a real human.

Experts concede the ability of AI to mimic humanness so convincingly, which was revealed in a new paper joint-authored by the University of Sydney and the University of Washington, has heightened fears the technology will soon replace workers.

“The general public is not prepared for what’s coming,’’ lead author Associate Professor Sandra Peter, from the University of Sydney, said.

“We prepared for the Terminator, not … something that would fool us into thinking we are interacting with a real human being.

“We always expected AI to be highly rational but lack humanity. Instead, AI developers built the opposite.’’

FILE - The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays output from ChatGPT, March 21, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

False fears

ServiceNow emerging technology director Danielle Magnusson said she understood the fears surrounding AI stealing jobs, but believed they were largely unfounded.

In reality, the technology would open pathways to many lucrative roles, she said – but only for those with the right skillets.

Ms Magnusson said workers should act now to become “AI experts’’ and build both technical and people-focused skills to remain employable.

She encouraged Australians to take advantage of free AI courses and to become familiar with the range of AI tools available.

“Despite concerns of AI taking jobs, ServiceNow’s research shows there’s a real opportunity for everyday Australians to transition into higher-paying, in-demand roles, particularly in the technology sector,’’ she said.

“AI will automate some routine tasks but it will also up-level existing jobs and boost productivity.

“Australians should start by understanding how their roles and industries are evolving, where AI is most likely to be deployed and how they match the demand for new roles that AI will create.’’

ServiceNow emerging technology director Danielle Magnusson said she understood the fears surrounding AI stealing jobs, but believed they were largely unfounded.

Workers v Tech

Associate Professor Peter said communication would remain one of the most in-demand employability skills, despite AI now outpacing most humans in its level of communication.

She said empathy would be particularly important and stressed that while AI possessed ``human-like qualities’’ it still lacked ``any true human traits’’, giving those with people-focused skills an added edge.

“AI can feign empathy but it’s not empathetic and it doesn’t care,’’ Associate Professor Peter said.

Professor Kai Riemer, from the University of Sydney, said critical thinking skills, long seen as highly desirable by employers, would take on greater significance given the persuasiveness of information generated by AI.

“There’s a temptation for workers to outsource their thinking to AI because (the information it provides) comes across as confident and highly convincing,’’ he said.

“But it could give an answer (to a problem) that might not be 100 per cent (accurate) or it might even have some big boo-boos in it that are hidden (not apparent to users).

“There’s a risk with relying on this technology too much and you will need critical thinking skills to … evaluate the output that AI gives you.’’

Sandya Baratha Raj, director of AI and analytics at software company Faethm by Pearson, agreed that being able to objectively assess the information provided by AI was vital.

“Language models like ChatGPT have been trained on large volumes of publicly available data,’’ she said.

“But what they lack is contextual knowledge, knowledge about you, your role, your organisation and your clients.

“That context can often be the difference between a good decision and a poor one, achieving the intended outcome or falling short.’’

Opening doors

Far from worrying that AI might replace her at work, Teresa Ko said the technology has opened doors to a career she never thought possible.

The former contact centre worker undertook a digital skills training program with ServiceNow and is now employed as a technical consultant with global IT services provider Cognizant.

“Honestly, I’m not too worried about AI replacing me,’’ said Ms Ko, who uses generative AI in her role.

“I see it more as a tool that’s changing and supporting the way we work rather than taking jobs away.

“It’s not doing the work for me but it helps guide me in the right direction when I’m coding or problem solving.

Teresa Ko said the technology has opened doors to a career she never thought possible.

“It’s like having a second set of eyes, which is really helpful as I keep learning and growing in this space.’’

Ms Ko said staying curious and building and adapting her skills as AI evolved was key to taking advantage of new employment offerings.

She said AI provided opportunities for workers with a range of skillets, not just those from a traditional tech background.

“It’s natural to be concerned about change but, from what I’ve seen, (AI) is not about replacing people, it’s about working alongside technology,’’ she said.

“As long as you’re open to learning and adapting, there’s a place for you in this industry.’’

Originally published as AI now talks better than most Aussies and workers fear their jobs are on the line