The advance of artificial intelligence (AI) could easily nudge American workers back to 1930s-style trade unions, collective bargaining and widespread job migration among professionals, according to one visionary Texas attorney.
Many people are just now -- after years of hearing about it -- really starting to understand how much of an effect artificial intelligence will have on their lives, but one of the overlooked aspects so far include job procurement and performance.
Recent articles indicate that as many as half of corporate middle managers may face replacement by AI programs, and so will some restaurant workers, but there are others to consider -- such as the startling news that AI is waiting for you just when you're trying to get your foot in the door.
Fast Company recently highlighted a Resume Builder study that found 77% of managers are already using AI to make company decisions about employees, including salaries, hiring and terminations.
And Dallas attorney Andy Trusevich says lawyers will be vunerable to AI in not too many years.
"Lawyers are going to be replaced by AI, I would not recommend for young people to go to law school -- AI could do what a team of 30 lawyers could do."
Perhaps most startling for many workers is the use of AI in hiring practices even today.
When you send in your resume to many companies, "It is reviewed by an AI algorithm, not a live person, and the algorithm is only as good as the person or people who set up that algorithm," Trusevich says.
Still others might be startled to understand one of the probable results of the rise of artificial intelligence in hiring, firing and handling of employees and, eventually, the governing of nations: the Us Versus Them mentality.
"AI is going to drive people into joining unions and having collective bargaining agreements, so if you do get fired because you're replaced by an AI algorithm, you will at least get some kind of severance."
But beyond that? There will be changes we can't foresee. At least not yet.