The Role of Automation and Bullshit Jobs in Today's Economy

Why does society still have jobs if robots can replace most of what we do? While the possibility looms that robots might soon perform most tasks, we haven’t reached that point just yet. The answer lies in the complex interplay of automation, productivity, and the need to maintain a certain level of perceived economic activity.

Automation: An Incremental Process

Automation has been gradually replacing labor for decades, but it remains a gradual and selective process. Machines and robots take over tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require precision. However, there are still many jobs that cannot be fully automated due to the complexity involved. For instance, training a robot to fold a towel involves significant amounts of programming and can still take a considerable amount of time as evidenced by a recent study where a robot spent over 20 minutes to fold a towel perfectly.

Why We Still Need Jobs?

The need for jobs stems from multiple factors. One reason is the desire to maintain a basic level of economic activity. Automation does not automatically create jobs; it creates opportunities for new types of work. Historically, the Industrial Revolution introduced machines that replaced low-skill jobs but simultaneously created new high-skilled and professional positions. The economy grows as productivity increases, leading to more jobs in sectors that can benefit from the growth spurred by these advancements.

Bullshit Jobs: The Dark Side of Automation

However, the rise of automation also brings what some people term "bullshit jobs" - tasks that add no real value and are created purely to prevent the automated replacement of existing human jobs. These jobs often exist to prevent the economy from being too “productive” and therefore too free. Critics argue that these jobs keep society from reaching its full potential by ensuring that people continue to work even if their tasks are largely irrelevant or redundant.

For example, if you need more than one or two words to describe your job, it might be a bullshit job. It exists not because it’s necessary, but to stave off the potential replacement by machines. This characteristic was famously captured by the concept of "bullshit jobs," which highlights the existence of tasks with no real value to society or the economy.

The Role of Human Expertise in Automation

Despite the advancements in automation, humans continue to play a crucial role in managing and improving the systems that automate tasks. As someone who works in the train industry and implements automation, I can attest to the limitations of automation. While robots and software can handle many routine tasks, they lack the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that humans possess.

For instance, an automation system can install and configure software, set up servers, or maintain standard configurations. However, it cannot determine how many servers a customer needs, calculate necessary resources, or fix problems when they occur. These tasks require human intervention. Even in areas where automation is highly effective, there is always a need for individuals to oversee, maintain, and adapt the automation processes.

Conclusion: Embracing Automation While Keeping Humans Relevant

In conclusion, while automation is transforming many aspects of modern life, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it creates a need for a new type of employment that leverages human skills and expertise. By embracing automation and recognizing the value of human work, we can navigate the changing job landscape and ensure continued economic growth and development.

Automation will continue to replace low-skill jobs, but it will also create opportunities for high-skill and professional positions. Understanding the role of both automation and human expertise will be key to navigating the future of work.