Which emerging technology is most likely to lead to layoffs of workers who typically do not need higher education in the coming years?
a. automated journalism b. social media c. robot surgeons d. self-driving cars
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. self-driving cars.
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are one of the most prominent emerging technologies that could lead to layoffs in industries that employ workers who typically do not need higher education. The technology has the potential to automate many jobs that rely on human drivers, including truck drivers, delivery drivers, taxi drivers, and chauffeurs. These positions are often filled by individuals without a college degree, making them vulnerable to job displacement as self-driving technology advances.
The impact of autonomous vehicles will be felt in industries such as transportation and logistics. For example, long-haul trucking is a critical industry that employs millions of drivers. Self-driving trucks can reduce the need for human drivers, leading to significant job losses. Similarly, self-driving taxis and ride-sharing vehicles could replace human drivers in urban settings, potentially eliminating a large number of jobs in the gig economy.
Additionally, the rise of autonomous delivery services, such as drones and self-driving vehicles for food or package delivery, could affect the workforce in related sectors. These job losses could disproportionately impact individuals without higher education qualifications, as the roles traditionally do not require advanced academic credentials.
While technologies like automated journalism, robot surgeons, and social media platforms also represent disruptions, their effects on job displacement are not as widespread as those of self-driving cars. Automated journalism may replace certain tasks in writing and content creation but not necessarily eliminate entire job categories. Similarly, robot surgeons, while revolutionary in healthcare, will likely supplement human expertise rather than replace it entirely. Social media, on the other hand, continues to create jobs in marketing, content creation, and management, rather than eliminating them.