IT jobs have been facing the threat of automation. AI or artificial intelligence is expected to take a big toll on the workings of this sector as human labour ceases to be as valuable. With AI looming large as a constant threat to job seekers, now the new shock has come from one of the greatest minds of the century, Stephen Hawking.
Earth too small for humans
According to Stephen Hawking, humanity is “bound” to destruct itself and the Earth is becoming and has become too small to contain humans. With this new threat, AI will soon replace humans as the dominant beings on the planet.
In his statement, Professor Hawking also said that since passing the “no return” point, our time on Earth is painfully numbered. With the massive developments in Artificial Intelligence, machines will soon dominate human beings.
“I fear that AI may replace humans altogether. If people design computer viruses, someone will design AI that improves and replicates itself. This will be a new form of life that outperforms humans.”
A Matrix dejavu?
Professor Hawking’s warnings remind one of the numerous Hollywood movies, including the Matrix series. With humanity pushed to a corner and Artificial Intelligence ruling the planet, the future does not look too bright. It is not just IT jobs now that are at stake, if Hawking is to be believed, humans will now have to seek out another planet to continue as a species.
Hawking stated that humanity top priority should be a new space programme “with a view to eventually colonising suitable planets for human habitation.”
He also added that “I believe we have reached the point of no return. Our earth is becoming too small for us, global population is increasing at an alarming rate and we are in danger of self-destructing.”
While it is harder to look beyond tomorrow and wonder which IT jobs will still be relevant, whether you employability skills are up to the mark, whether you will get the next job or not, the threat of Artificial Intelligence taking over things is also very real. Don’t believe us? Check out your dependability on your smartphones and how people now find it hard to remember simple details because they can have it all at the click of a button.
