Student Reveals Income Drops by 90% as AI Chatbot Takes Over Company
In a surprising turn of events, a 22-year-old student from Kolkata, Sharanya Bhattacharya, has shared her distressing experience since the introduction of an artificial intelligence chatbot called ChatGPT. As a ghostwriter and copywriter for a creative solutions agency, Sharanya used to earn around $240, or approximately ₹20,000, per month by working on a few SEO-optimized articles. However, since late 2022, her workload has plummeted to writing just one or two articles per month, leaving her bewildered and struggling to make ends meet.
The reduction in her workload has not only affected Sharanya but also her family, as she recently explained, It has been really tough since the reduction in my workload – not just for me but my family, too. The company she worked for failed to provide any explanation for the sudden decrease in assignments.
According to reports from The New York Post, the reason behind this drastic change is that the firms commissioning Sharanya’s work have chosen to rely on AI technology, specifically ChatGPT, in an attempt to cut costs. The decision has inevitably left Sharanya and others in similar positions grappling with financial insecurity and uncertainty. She lamented, We’ve had to monitor how much food we consume, and we no longer do things we used to enjoy doing like going out to eat – we can only do that once every couple of months now. We’ve had to focus our money on the necessities, like food and bills, to make sure we can live fine.
Sharanya’s life has taken a turn for the worse since the frequency of new assignments gradually decreased. She admitted to feeling devastated and has since experienced increased anxiety, a sense of being lost, and even panic attacks.
It is important to note the contrasting perspectives surrounding the use of AI in the workplace. While its implementation may lead to cost savings for businesses, it also causes significant disruption and hardship for individuals like Sharanya. The benefits of technological advancements should ideally be balanced against the potential negative impact on employees.
The incident highlights the growing influence of AI technology, raising concerns about the future of employment and the increasing reliance on AI-driven solutions. As the world progresses further into the digital age, it remains crucial to ensure a fair and equitable transition that takes into account the welfare of individuals who may be adversely affected.
The situation faced by Sharanya and her reduced income serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences that AI can have on the workforce. As technology continues to advance, it becomes ever more important to strike a balance between increased efficiency and the well-being of workers.
As Sharanya’s story unfolds, it serves as a call to action for companies and policymakers alike to address the challenges posed by AI implementation. Finding ways to mitigate the negative effects while maximizing the benefits should be a priority to ensure a future where humans and AI can coexist harmoniously.
However, it is essential to recognize that AI does not only bring about negative impacts. It presents opportunities for innovation, increased productivity, and improved customer experiences. The key lies in harnessing its potential while also safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of individuals like Sharanya.
In conclusion, Sharanya Bhattacharya’s struggle with a drastic reduction in income due to her company’s adoption of the AI chatbot ChatGPT sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of automation and its impact on individuals in the workforce. As we navigate the increasingly digital landscape, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to find ways to strike a balance that considers both the advantages and challenges presented by AI technology.
