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10 OPINION maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 26 FEBRUARY 2025 ARTIFICIAL intelligence, a transformative force in the way people work, is the focus of a recent report from Anthrop- ic. This AI research company, known for developing advanced language models like Claude, has conducted a comprehen- sive analysis of AI's integration into the workforce. The An- thropic Economic Index, draw- ing on millions of anonymised AI interactions, maps AI usage across different professions, re- vealing its profound impact and the changing nature of jobs. The findings, both enlightening and unsettling, provide a glimpse in- to a labour market that is evolv- ing at an unprecedented pace, highlighting the urgency of ad- aptation. One of the most striking in- sights from the report is the overwhelming dominance of AI in technical fields. Despite representing only a small frac- tion of the workforce, jobs in computing and mathematics account for a disproportion- ately high share of AI-related tasks. Software developers, data an- alysts, and IT professionals are using AI on a massive scale, relying on it for debugging, troubleshooting, and automat- ing repetitive work. This rapid integration suggests that AI is no longer just a tool but an integral part of these profes- sions, shifting the way techni- cal work is done and redefining the most valuable skills. Beyond the tech sector, AI's reach is expanding across a wide range of industries. Over a third of occupations now incorporate AI into at least a quarter of their tasks, a clear sign that AI is becoming a standard workplace tool. Yet full automation remains rare. Only a small percentage of jobs depend on AI for most of their work, indicating that AI is being used in targeted ways rather than outright replac- ing human labour. Instead of wholesale job losses, we are witnessing AI embedded into specific tasks—enhancing pro- ductivity in research, content creation, financial analysis, and legal work. This contradicts the wide- spread fear that AI will lead to immediate and massive unem- ployment. Instead, it suggests a more complex transformation, where jobs evolve rather than disappear, offering a more op- timistic view of AI's potential. The distinction between AI as an augmentative tool versus an automating force is crucial. The report finds that more than half of AI-related work- place tasks fall under augmen- tation—meaning that AI is used to support and enhance human effort rather than re- place it. This is particularly evident in fields like writing, design, and marketing, where AI assists with brainstorming, drafting, and editing. However, a signif- icant % of tasks (43%) are fully automated, raising questions about how far this trend will go. As AI systems continue to improve, will automation overtake augmentation? If so, which jobs will be most at risk? The uneven distribution of AI's benefits is another key is- sue. Mid-to-high wage earners in knowledge-based jobs are the primary beneficiaries, as AI helps them streamline com- plex tasks and boost efficiency. Programmers, financial an- alysts, marketers, and writers are among those seeing the most significant productivity gains. On the other hand, low-wage roles, particularly in manual labour and service industries, remain largely untouched by AI. Interestingly, even some of the highest-paid profession- als—such as certain medical specialists—are seeing limit- ed AI adoption, likely because their work relies on human in- tuition, experience, and direct patient interaction. The report raises concerns about economic inequality in an AI-driven world. If AI pri- marily enhances the produc- tivity of workers already in well-paying roles, it could wid- en existing wage gaps. Those with the skills to inte- grate AI into their work may see their salaries rise, while those whose jobs are less af- fected by AI may find it harder to compete. This emphasises the crucial role of policymak- ers in ensuring that AI-driven productivity gains are distrib- uted fairly, preventing a sce- nario in which technological progress deepens social and economic divides. What is clear from the report is that AI is not an all-or-noth- ing force. It is not replacing jobs en masse, nor is it a pas- sive tool with no real impact. Instead, it is rapidly altering the nature of work in complex and often unpredictable ways. The narrative that AI will ei- ther destroy jobs or have no ef- fect is misleading. The reality is that AI is accelerating change, making some roles more effi- cient while rendering others less necessary. Those who can adapt will thrive, while those who ignore the shift risk being left behind. For workers, this means that digital literacy and AI skills are becoming essential. Employers who invest in AI training for their workforce will have a competitive advan- tage, and individuals who em- brace AI as a tool for produc- tivity rather than a threat will be better positioned for long- term career success. This emphasis on the impor- The future of work is leading towards adaptation, not extinction Prof. Alexiei Dingli is Professor of Artificial Intelligence Alexiei Dingli