Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.
In Your Opinion, What Has Been the Most Significant Impact of AI on Society?
a) Job Market and Employment
b) Ethical and Security Concern
c) Economic and Social Divide
1. Job Market and Employment
- Job Disruption vs. Creation:
As per a World Economic Forum 2023 report, AI is expected to displace 85 million jobs globally by 2025—but create 97 million new roles requiring different skill sets. - Automation of Routine Work:
AI has automated tasks in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and even customer service. This has caused job insecurity for low- and mid-skill workers. - Rise of New Professions:
Jobs in AI ethics, machine learning, data annotation, and AI systems maintenance have emerged, creating opportunities in high-tech sectors. - India’s Upskilling Efforts:
The government’s Skill India Digital Platform (launched 2023) is integrating AI-focused skilling modules for youth.
2. Ethical and Security Concerns
- Data Privacy:
AI systems often depend on massive data sets. Without strong regulation, there are concerns of data misuse, surveillance, and breaches of consent. - Bias in Algorithms:
AI has shown bias in facial recognition, hiring algorithms, and credit scoring—often reproducing social or racial prejudices. - AI in Warfare and Cybersecurity:
Autonomous drones and AI-based cyber tools pose international security threats. The EU AI Act (2024) and global forums are trying to regulate this. - Deepfakes and Misinformation:
AI tools generating synthetic videos and fake news have raised alarms regarding election manipulation and public trust.
3. Economic and Social Divide
- Digital Divide:
AI advances are concentrated in urban, high-income areas, leaving rural and underprivileged sections behind. Only ~30% of India’s rural population has regular internet access (TRAI, 2023). - Unequal Access to Opportunities:
Nations with stronger digital infrastructure benefit disproportionately from AI-driven growth, widening the North-South divide. - Platform Monopolies:
A few global corporations dominate AI R&D, leading to tech monopolies and limiting open innovation. - Government Measures:
India's National AI Mission and Digital India are steps to make AI benefits more inclusive and decentralized.
✅ Conclusion
While all three impacts are interconnected, the most significant and visible today is the disruption in the job market and employment landscape. AI is reshaping what it means to be “employable,” pushing society to redefine education, skill development, and lifelong learning. With proper skilling initiatives and inclusive policies, this impact can become a powerful force for progress instead of displacement.
