Video killed the radio star – could AI kill human jobs?

We don’t want to sugarcoat this – entry-level jobs have fallen by nearly a third since ChatGPT launched. While the first victims were content writers and creatives, generative AI hasn’t failed to show its uses across a wide range of industries. And while this technology might still come with faults and occasional hallucinations, it hasn’t stopped cost-cutting executives from noticing its huge potential.

Take a look at Bumble, for example. The fan-favourite dating app announced it would be axing 30% of its workforce amidst financial struggles, with writers taking the brunt of these layoffs in favour of AI tools. Many disheartened creatives took to LinkedIn to react to this news, questioning how an app that helps its users find human connection could so easily disregard the real people telling their brand story.

The worst news? AI isn’t stopping with content teams – it could be coming after your job next.

Why are firms moving towards AI?

At this point, it’s almost impossible for businesses to stay away from AI. But while some may simply be using it to streamline existing processes or translate multilingual conversations in real time, others are using it to replace and automate entire departments.

The simple fact is that it’s cheaper to buy one AI tool than to pay a team of workers their salary every month – plus, they don’t need pesky little things like breaks or annual leave. All that makes AI very appealing to founders looking to cut corners and save resources.

Which jobs are being taken over?

Current estimates suggest that up to 60% of jobs will be adapted in line with AI innovation by 2030, with experts predicting that half will be completely automated by 2045. So which positions will be the first to be filled?

1. Admin assistant

“Hey Google, what meetings do I have today?” With AI now able to complete everyday tasks like sending emails, organising calendars, and managing to-dos, it’s beginning to make entry-level administration redundant.

2. Content writer

Our content team hates to say it, but AI is coming for us too. ChatGPT and other generative tools are making it easier than ever for students to cheat on tests, for LinkedIn influencers to regurgitate posts, and for content farms to churn out blogs.

3. Coder

While many may assume tech jobs are automatically safe from being automated, tools like Google Gemini and CodeGPT can spit out lines of code good enough to build the bare bones of an app.

4. Customer service representative

You probably interact with these bots on a weekly, if not daily, basis – with so many online shopping experiences now punctuated by AI agents.

5. Lawyer 

Oh, you’ve studied for years to achieve your LLB, your MA, and finally secure your training contract as part of a prestigious law firm? Well, none of that matters now, since a new study found that people were just as, if not more, likely to trust ChatGPT’s legal advice.

6. Influencer

Brands have always relied on human connection and word-of-mouth marketing to sell their products. But with the rise of superstar AI influencers like Mia Zelu, companies can save money on expensive partnerships and gifted items by simply faking it until they make it.

7. Translator

We’re all guilty of whipping out Google Translate while we’re on holiday in the Costa del Sol, but we know to take every translation with un grano de sal. However, as AI translation technology like Microsoft Azure and DeepL becomes more advanced, so does consumer trust.

8. Designer

It’s now easier than ever for people with no design experience to create a visually pleasing image or graphic. Whether that’s by using a prompt on DALL-E to create a realistic image from scratch or simply enabling some AI magic on existing design tools like Canva.

Is it all doom and gloom?

It would be easy to conclude this blog by saying that your job will be next on the chopping block. But that’s not the message we’re trying to send. 

At Fasthosts, we’ve always valued human creativity and connection. It’s why you’ll never hear us direct you to an automated AI voice message when you’re trying to get in touch with our customer service department.

At the end of the day, we believe it’s up to founders and business leaders to make space for real humans in their workforce. This doesn’t mean abandoning your AI efforts altogether – it just means not letting them replace the talented writers, designers, coders, customer service agents, and others you haven’t even met yet.