Abstract
Fear of job displacement in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era echoes long-standing concerns about machines replacing human work. This paper critically examines dominant narratives around AI and its impact on jobs, challenging technology-deterministic predictions of widespread job loss. We introduce two key concepts: the 'reinstatement effect,' which suggests AI can create new jobs by generating demand for new activities, and 'human-technology augmentation,' which emphasizes AI’s potential to enhance human capabilities. Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive view of AI’s influence on jobs. At the core of our argument is the focus on social good and the importance of regulation in shaping AI’s future impact on jobs.
