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ZDNET's key takeaways
New MIT research defines a longer timeline for AI's job impacts.
AI capabilities still threaten text-based work.
Workers may have more time to adapt than previously thought.
Worried AI is coming for your job? New MIT research suggests a slower shift. AI is improving at work tasks, but its impact may take longer to fully reach the workforce. Rather than "crashing waves" that will shock workers, researchers describe a "rising tide" that gives them more time to adapt.
Also: How AI has suddenly become much more useful to open-source developers
"AI capabilities are already substantial and poised to expand broadly," the study said. "Most of the tasks that we study could reach AI success rates of 80%-95% by 2029 (at a minimally sufficient quality level), suggesting potentially substantial labor-market impacts as this tide continues to rise."
AI-induced job anxiety has become an ever-present reality over the last year as AI agents have gotten more capable (though they come with just as many risks as they do benefits). Even a slightly longer horizon for lasting change could make a huge difference in whether -- and how many -- workers get the chance to upskill for a very different labor market of the future.
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