Professions Vanishing in Israel Due to Technology and AI
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Many once-common professions in Israel, such as telephone operators and telegraphists, have disappeared due to technological progress. Currently, roles like cashiers and bank tellers are evolving, while AI is predicted to significantly impact jobs like accounting and graphic design in the near future. However, professions requiring complex decision-making, human interaction, and physical presence are considered more secure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Technological advancements have eliminated professions like manual telephone operators and telegraphists in Israel.
- Roles such as cashiers and bank tellers are evolving as technology automates routine tasks.
- AI is expected to significantly alter or replace jobs in accounting, translation, and graphic design.
- Professions requiring human interaction, complex decision-making, and physical presence are considered more resilient to AI.
- A majority of Israeli workers see AI as a productivity tool rather than a direct threat to their jobs.
Numerous professions that were once integral to daily life in Israel have either disappeared or are rapidly becoming obsolete due to technological advancements. Historically, roles like the manual telephone operator, telegraphist, typesetter, and film developer are now relics of the past, existing mainly in photographs and memories. The transition from manual to automatic telephone exchanges, the advent of digital communication, and the rise of personal computers and digital photography have rendered these jobs unnecessary.
Other professions are currently in a state of flux. Cashiers, while still employed, are seeing their roles diminish with the rise of self-checkout kiosks and digital payments. Similarly, traditional bank tellers are shifting their focus from routine transactions, now handled by apps and ATMs, to more complex financial services. The role of the secretary has also evolved, with digital tools like email, calendars, and task management systems automating many traditional administrative tasks.
Looking ahead, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to significantly impact the job market. A study by the Bank of Israel categorizes about 20% of Israel's workforce into professions with a high potential for AI replacement, including basic accounting, travel agents, translators, and graphic designers. While these professions may not disappear entirely, the nature of the work and the demand for human labor are expected to change dramatically.
However, the study also identifies approximately 39% of workers in roles where AI will likely augment human capabilities, such as doctors, teachers, engineers, and lawyers. Another third are in professions considered relatively safe from AI's immediate impact, including many manual labor jobs like construction and agriculture, where physical tasks are harder to automate with current AI and robotics. The research indicates that while 15% of workers fear job loss due to AI in the next few years, a significant majority (82%) are eager to learn how to better utilize AI as a tool to enhance their productivity.
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