AI – is the writing on the wall?

• By Kerry Lee

As artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes faster and more reliable, there is call for some concern with job losses forecast.

However, in literary professions AI will never replace real human stories, Lillian Haskins from Port Waikato-based Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust contends.

“I think the jobs will still be there; they’ll just look a bit different. There might be more roles concerned with checking, editing and shaping content, especially where AI is involved. But people who can tell real stories, connect with others, and bring a human perspective, they will always be needed.”

While AI can serve as a useful tool helping generate new ideas, it will never replace lived experiences or cultural understanding, she says.

“There will still be a strong need for human oversight, storytelling, and authenticity -especially in areas such as journalism, education and community work.”

While AI will change the way we work by eliminating more mundane tasks, Haskins believes there will always be a strong demand for people to direct and moderate this technology.

A 2025 report by Goldman Sachs Research found that, despite concerns about job losses from AI, its adoption is expected to have a modest impact on unemployment levels due to the new opportunities it will provide.

According to the study, occupations most at risk from the widespread adoption of AI include computer programmers, accountants, auditors, legal and administrative assistants and customer service representatives.