In the article published in The Atlantic magazine in October 2018, adapted from the book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari, historian and philosopher from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, masterfully describes how Artificial Intelligence will likely not lead to a machine revolution against the human species as depicted in movies. Instead, it will most likely enable large corporations or authoritarian governments—those who control data and technology—to manipulate the masses and arbitrarily subject them to their choices.
The rise of technology and the automation of services and decision-making will make humans increasingly dependent on algorithms for faster and more accurate decisions. Those who control the algorithms will have the power to control the population. Another crucial factor is that many professions will be replaced far more efficiently by computers, which will be able to process data, make decisions, share knowledge, and perform tasks faster and more effectively than any human.
As the author states: “To prevent such an outcome, for every dollar and every minute we invest in improving AI, it would be wise to invest a dollar and a minute in exploring and developing human consciousness.”
With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence, specific human skills will be in higher demand and essential for success in both the job market and personal life. These are less technical and more human skills, commonly known as soft skills.
Soft skills refer to interpersonal, behavioral, and communication abilities that are not technical or profession-specific but play a crucial role in an individual’s success in the workplace and life in general. These skills are often related to how people interact with each other and handle various situations. Some common examples of soft skills include:
Teaching and effective communication: The ability to convey complex information clearly and understandably, facilitating comprehension and learning. It also includes expressing ideas objectively, patiently, and nonviolently.
Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with others, share responsibilities, and achieve common goals.
Problem-solving: The capacity to analyze complex situations, identify solutions, and make informed decisions.
Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adjust to changes and handle new situations positively.
Empathy and sensitivity: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, demonstrating compassion and awareness of their needs and how to address them.
Leadership: The ability to motivate, inspire, and guide others toward achieving goals.
Time management: The skill of prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet objectives.
Critical and analytical thinking: The ability to objectively analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make well-founded decisions.
Emotional intelligence: Recognizing, understanding, and managing one’s emotions and those of others, fostering healthy interpersonal relationships and balanced decision-making.
Creativity and innovation: The ability to generate original ideas and implement them practically, driving the development of new and efficient solutions in various contexts.
Continuous learning: The willingness and ability to acquire new knowledge and skills over time, enabling constant adaptation to personal and professional changes.
These skills are increasingly valued in the job market.
With the rise of automation, human abilities such as empathy, creativity, and critical thinking become even more important, as they are difficult to replicate with machines.
Therefore, investing in the development of soft skills not only enhances employability and professional success but also contributes to personal fulfillment. Developing these skills requires a continuous learning process and self-awareness, which leads to self-control. The guidance of a psychotherapist can support this journey.