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ZDNET's key takeaways
MIT research defines a longer timeline for AI's impact on jobs.
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 than previously thought. AI is improving at work tasks, but its impact may take longer to fully reach the workforce. Rather than coming in "crashing waves" that shock workers and leave little time to pivot, researchers describe a "rising tide" of AI capabilities that gives workers 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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