Young people erupted in applause when they found out what the jobs of the future held for them

Generations Z (1996-2009) and alpha (2010-) are growing up in a digital environment, so AI is a natural tool for them, even as a communication partner. According to McKinsey's survey, Generation Y (1980-1995) is particularly vulnerable to skills obsolescence, and is the generation most likely to undertake retraining and learn new digital skills, Economx, said Enikő Bereczki, a generation researcher.

Older generations - Generation X (1965-1979) and baby boomers (1946-1964) - often approach AI with reservations because they are less familiar with its workings, although Generation X is open to its use with cautious curiosity and baby boomers often with everyday practical benefits.

For the alpha generation, AI offers both playful learning opportunities and a threat to grow up in a digital world rather than real human relationships. Parents have a responsibility to educate their children to use it consciously, while maintaining a space for personal interaction and shared experiences.

By 2027, 83 million jobs could be lost, while 69 million new ones could be created, and up to 300 million full-time jobs could be at risk, mostly in administrative and financial fields, according to Goldman Sachs. McKinsey predicts that by 2030, 12 percent of workers will have to move into entirely new jobs.

Younger generations are already expecting the everyday use of AI in the workplace, while for older generations it could be a challenge, creating generational tensions, said Enikő Bereczki. The expert added that while the roots of fear differ from generation to generation, older people have already lived through digital transitions, so they have a kind of "shrug of the shoulders wisdom": AI is also a new thing that needs to be learned to manage.

Enikő Bereczki recalled telling 1,500 teenagers in her lecture that tedious, boring and easily automated tasks could be taken over by robots in the future, to which she was met with thunderous applause. It is a sign that the young generation is open to the idea of machines and humans working closely together in the workplace, even if futurologists have no clear answers about the potential risks of accelerated robotisation.

The rise of AI is transforming career development, with AI application skills, digital competences and self-learning becoming increasingly important. This could reinforce the Matthew effect, where those already in a better position are more likely to take advantage of AI, while others may be left behind.By 2030, many jobs - such as customer service, finance, manufacturing, logistics - will be transformed, with AI not only taking over tasks but also shaping the nature of jobs.

AI will provide rapid access to information, but it will not replace human, critical thinking. Digital addiction and the risk of manipulation (algorithmic bias, deepfake) is increasing among young people, making independent critical thinking and ethical awareness of the issue paramount.

In education and training, emphasis should be placed on the conscious use of AI and the development of human values, creativity, empathy and social skills. Lifelong learning and resilience are essential for young people to successfully adapt to the rapidly changing AI-driven work environment.

"In this changing work environment, it is imperative that young people develop traits and skills that are specifically human-only - such as empathy, creativity, the ability to believe"

- stresses the generational researcher.

image: freepik

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