Generative artificial intelligence tools have sparked a wave of experimentation in various fields, from students and engineers to call center operators. At MIT, these experiments have led to questions about the potential impact of these tools on our lives and work.
Can generative AI tools enhance our skills or render certain skills obsolete? How can we ensure these tools are used for good and minimize any negative consequences?
The emergence of generative AI has generated excitement, anxiety, and speculation about the future. To explore how generative AI can improve job prospects, MIT has launched a working group on Generative AI and the Work of the Future. This group consists of 25 companies and nonprofits, as well as MIT faculty and students, who are collecting data on how generative AI tools are being utilized and their effects on workers.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth emphasizes the importance of using generative AI to enhance existing jobs and benefit society. The working group, led by Ben Armstrong, Julie Shah, and Kate Kellogg, has begun sharing its findings through a newsletter and workshops focused on responsible AI practices.
Supported by Google.org, the working group aims to study early use cases of generative AI, understand its impact on the workforce, and develop training resources for organizations. Companies like Liberty Mutual Insurance and IBM are collaborating with MIT to explore the potential of generative AI in shaping the future of work.
Through research, convening meetings, and developing training programs, the working group seeks to provide valuable insights and resources for organizations navigating the integration of generative AI tools into their operations.
More than 40 companies, including IBM, Google Inc., and Liberty Mutual, are part of the working group, contributing to a collective effort to understand and leverage generative AI for positive outcomes. To learn more about this initiative, visit ipc.mit.edu/gen-ai.