This is a 1980’s IBM print ad talking about how automation causes short term pain for longterm gains.

The process generally goes like this:

1.) People get scared/angry that a job is automated. The way of the world is disturbed, and people generally don't like that, especially when it affects their livelihoods.

2.) People adapt and find new work. Many people actually get BETTER work if they can effectively use the new technology.

3.) Some tasks get automated by machines, and people quickly grow used to it. Like calculators, or TV's, or radios, or newspapers....these were all once new technologies that disrupted the economy, but are now so commonplace we don't even think about it.

4.) We can then do more and more important things now that task is automated.

We’re seeing this play out now with many boring tasks we just assume humans do like driving, analyzing data, transcribing things, writing, coding and more.

Image Description

The IBM print ad features a conversation between two men observing a mechanical excavator at a building site. The dialogue humorously highlights the shift from manual labor to machine-driven tasks, illustrating the broader theme of technological advancement.

Positive Aspects

This ad cleverly uses a simple, relatable conversation to illustrate a profound point about automation. The humor and clarity of the message make it memorable, emphasizing how technological progress is inevitable and beneficial. It also reassures the audience that adaptation leads to new opportunities.

Key Takeaways

Automation has been a recurring concern throughout history, yet it consistently leads to new job creation and opportunities.
Fear and adaptation are natural responses to technological advancements, but they ultimately result in progress.
Embracing technology as a promise rather than a threat can lead to a brighter, more efficient future.

Additional Insights

Automation has always followed a cycle of initial fear, adaptation, and eventual acceptance. Consider how past innovations, like the steam engine or computers, were initially met with skepticism. Yet, they paved the way for new industries and jobs. AI is the latest in this lineage, and while it will disrupt some sectors, it will also create possibilities we haven't yet imagined. Embrace the change, and who knows? You might find yourself in a role that didn’t exist before!