Artificial intelligence enters more and more in the lives of people and the labor market, transforming entire industries. Although for some it is a help, for others the AI has become the reason why they lost their jobs.
The transition to an AI assisted world can be painful to some. Photo: Shutterstock
The British publication The Guardian reported the stories of two persons directly affected by this technological revolution.
“We have lost almost all customers”
Lina Meilina, 30, from Bandung, Indonesia, is specialized in anime style art. Since the generative AI has become accessible and popular, its activity has been strongly affected.
“I used to receive up to 15 orders per month. Now I get five. says the artist.
In addition to decreasing revenues, Meilina faced and unauthorized use of her creations, including for inappropriate purposes. She claims that the big platforms are reluctant to protect the work of artists and that including the authorities of the Indonesian state promote visual campaigns generated by AI, instead of supporting local creators.
“My mother told me that no art would support me. Now I am beginning to be right,” confesses Lina, who, in order to ensure the necessary income of life, has begun to make Cosplay accessories to order.
“I was fired without warning”
Jadun Sykes, 28, from Wakefield, UK, worked for six years as a graphic designer in a technology company. Although he was the only man in the company in this position, he was fired due to automation of tasks with the help of generative.
“I never imagined that I would be replaced. I was using Photoshop, drawing layouts, making personalized materials. But one day, I was simply told that my role is no longer necessary.”
After losing her job, Jadun posted a video on YouTube telling her experience. He went viral and received hundreds of messages from other professionals in the same situation. He now works as a content creator at a PC manufacturer, where the AI is used only as a secondary tool, not as a personnel replacement.
“My advice for anyone who works in creative industries is to learn as many abilities as possible. You have to be prepared for anything,” he says.
A global phenomenon in full ascension
The stories of the two are just a fraction of the global reality. As companies adopt increasingly efficient technologies, experts draw attention to social, economic and psychological risks associated with labor automation.
In the absence of clear regulations and a strategy of protecting creative professions, the transition to a world assisted to prove painful to many.
