The World Motivation
What are we going to do as automation increases, as computers get more sophisticated? One thing that people say is we'll retrain people, right? We'll take coal miners and turn them into data miners. Of course, we do need to retrain people technically. We need to increase technical literacy, but that's not going to work for everybody.
What are we going to do as automation increases, as computers get more sophisticated? One thing that people say is we'll retrain people, right? We'll take coal miners and turn them into data miners. Of course, we do need to retrain people technically. We need to increase technical literacy, but that's not going to work for everybody.
Oren Etzioni's quote addresses the challenges posed by increasing automation and the sophistication of computers. He acknowledges the common belief that retraining individuals, such as converting coal miners into data miners, will be a solution to job displacement caused by technology. However, he points out the limitations of this approach, suggesting that while improving technical literacy is essential, it cannot accommodate everyone. Retraining initiatives may not meet the diverse needs of all workers affected by automation, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
A real-life example of this scenario can be seen in the manufacturing industry, where many factory workers have lost jobs due to automation. While some companies offer training programs to help workers transition into tech-related roles, not all individuals possess the aptitude or interest in these areas. As a result, a significant portion of the workforce may struggle to find suitable employment, emphasizing the need for broader strategies that address the multifaceted impact of automation on society.