Which Jobs Are Most at Risk of Being Replaced by AI?

When ChatGPT was officially introduced to the world at the end of 2022, many people saw it as a new tool for drafting email messages, solving educational exercises, or getting answers to simple inquiries. Few were then aware that within a few short years, artificial intelligence would become the central topic of discussion in the job markets: who will retain their job, and who will be replaced by AI?

This debate is not limited to large technology companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. It has spread to banks, industries, transportation companies, customer service centers, and even the workplaces where young people often start their professional lives. The concern is not only about the number of jobs that may disappear but also about how this change will shape the future of jobs, skills, and the daily lives of communities.

The anxiety surrounding this change is growing, and at times, the extent of its danger is exaggerated. Nevertheless, data produced by economic and labor market agencies indicate that the issue has surpassed the level of speculation and conjecture, and AI has already begun to impact how certain jobs are performed.

The International Monetary Fund (International Monetary Fund) stated in early 2026 that nearly 40% of jobs worldwide could be affected by automation. Some jobs may have their tasks simplified, others may change in how they are performed, while some may potentially be entirely replaced. However, this figure does not mean that 40% of jobs worldwide will disappear. The agency specifically pointed out the increasing pressure on middle-level jobs, particularly office jobs with daily tasks.

On the other hand, the World Economic Forum (World Economic Forum) highlighted in its report The Future of Jobs Report 2025 that the changes in the job market are not limited to job losses, as there is also a concurrent demand for new skills. It particularly emphasized the importance of training, enhancing knowledge, and reskilling, so that workers can adapt to emerging technologies.

When these data points are combined, a different picture emerges from the general perception that automation is taking over every job that people do. The impact is highly dependent on the type of work, the level of education required, and how well the tasks can be performed by automated systems (automated systems). Jobs based on routine processes, repetitive tasks, and easily organized data are particularly vulnerable to this change.

For example, data entry workers. People who enter numbers, records, and documents into data systems every day are among the workers whose tasks may be replaced by modern programs. These tools can read documents, perform filtering on data, identify certain errors, and then store the data in prepared systems, completing tasks that used to take a long time in a short period.

A similar change is happening in customer service centers. Many companies have transferred part of their response tasks to chatbots. Instead of a worker answering the same inquiries every day, a program can provide customers with the information they need and direct them to appropriate services. These systems also facilitate access to services at any hour, without the necessity for a worker to be present at that time. However, there are still complaints and complex issues that require understanding, mediation, and the decision-making of a human worker.

Large stores also show another change. Many business locations have implemented systems where customers can register products themselves and pay for them without needing a cashier. These systems, known as “Self-checkout Systems,” can reduce the tasks that store employees perform. However, it is important to distinguish between automated systems and human intervention, as every automated service is not based on human judgment.

Manufacturers have long been using robots and machines to perform tasks that humans used to do. These devices sort products, package items, and perform tasks that require precision and constant repetition. The advancement of artificial intelligence could further enhance the capabilities of these systems, particularly in areas such as fault detection, production planning, and managing industrial operations. The change is not limited to replacing workers; it also affects production systems, business continuity, and the skills required by workers.

Transportation is another area where modern technology is having an impact. Self-driving cars and freight vehicles equipped with autonomous systems have seen technical advancements, although they have not yet been fully implemented worldwide. Safety, infrastructure, road conditions, and regulations still pose challenges to the widespread adoption of these services. Their progress, if it continues to expand, could change parts of the tasks that drivers and transportation workers used to perform.

The impact of artificial intelligence is not limited to manual jobs or routine services. It is emerging that even jobs previously considered cognitive are experiencing significant changes. Basic translation, for example, has been noticeably transformed by tools such as Google Translate and generative AI applications. Short texts, marketing descriptions, business messages, and news drafts have also become part of the tasks that these programs can facilitate.

This has led to a new demand for data verification, editing, and quality control of texts. The fact that a program can prepare a text does not mean that the text is accurate, complete, or suitable for its intended purpose. Therefore, tasks that require higher reasoning, fact-checking, and professional responsibility still play a significant role in knowledge production.

In light of all these issues, it may seem that artificial intelligence is a technology designed to replace workers. The reality is much broader than that. Some jobs are disappearing or their tasks are being simplified, alongside new skills and job opportunities emerging.

A report published by the World Economic Forum on January 15, 2026, based on LinkedIn data, stated that 1.3 million new jobs related to artificial intelligence have emerged within two years. These jobs include AI engineers, data specialists, and data annotators who are trained to prepare, evaluate, or label data for new systems.

This figure is evidence that artificial intelligence is creating new sectors within the job market. However, it cannot be assumed that the number of new jobs exceeds all the jobs lost, as this data does not provide a comprehensive balance between created and lost jobs.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence does not equally affect various skills. Jobs based on human interaction, understanding social contexts, deep creativity, and responsible decision-making still have aspects that are difficult for automated systems to fully handle.

The surgeon, for example, requires medical knowledge, experience, and decision-making based on the patient's condition. Although modern robots participate in some surgeries, the responsibility for the task and medical decisions still requires medical experts.

The teacher who understands the student's circumstances, follows their academic progress, and recognizes the educational challenges ahead, also has a role that is not limited to transmitting information. Education is a process based on cognitive development, cognitive structuring, human relationships, and knowledge transfer. Cognitive tools can play a role in those activities, but it is not easy for them to replace all of them.

Similarly, mental health counselors, leaders of organizations, and those engaged in solving complex problems use experience, understanding of circumstances, and social insight. In those areas, technology can play a significant role, but it cannot completely take over.

Beyond the tasks that cognitive tools can replace, it is important to consider the skills that will be required of future workers. A study presented by the IMF in January 2026 showed that of the ten job opportunities announced in developed countries, nearly one of them requires at least one new skill. In developing countries, that ratio is close to one in twenty.

The study indicated that jobs requiring new skills may offer higher salaries. However, this impact does not reach all workers. Individuals in certain jobs, particularly young people working in their early careers, may face challenges related to the scarcity of employment opportunities and the changing demand for the skills they have learned.

This information shows that adaptability is not solely the responsibility of the workers. Educational institutions, companies, and governments also play a role in preparing new skills, developing training, and facilitating so that workers can adapt to changes in the job market.

This issue is also crucial for Somalia, especially for young people engaged in education, business, services, media, and technology skills. As technological tools continue to spread in these sectors, the demand for understanding technology usage, data verification, and maintaining work quality is increasing. It is essential to consider the specific circumstances of the country, such as access to education and training, technological infrastructure, and the capacity of businesses.

The job market increasingly reliant on digital systems may also face risks related to confidentiality, integrity, and data security. Employees and users of these systems need to have cyber awareness to understand the risks associated with workplace data and the protection of personal information. Although these issues are not directly related to the jobs that artificial intelligence may replace, they are part of the knowledge required when transitioning work activities to digital services.

The history of technological advancement teaches us that every new innovation alters the lifestyle and jobs of society. When the internet spread, concerns arose regarding the jobs and businesses it would affect. Subsequently, new services, enterprises, and skills emerged that did not previously exist. This transition can be seen in how technology sometimes transforms previous jobs while also creating new opportunities.

Artificial intelligence could lead to a similar change, although the extent of its impact and how benefits and losses will be distributed among workers, companies, and countries around the world cannot yet be fully predicted.

The crux of the debate, it seems, is not only whether artificial intelligence will take over people's jobs or not. It is also important to understand how it is changing skills, productivity, and the way people work. A person who has learned to use new tools, combined with solid knowledge and skills, may have opportunities to align with emerging needs.

The future of work will not be one where machines will solely take over, nor will it be one where people will perform their previous tasks without any changes. There appears to be a labor market that is reshaping itself, requiring new skills; a market where knowledge, creativity, adaptability to technology, and human understanding will still play a significant role.

Ultimately, it is incumbent upon today's workers to reassess their skills, enhance their knowledge, and prepare for the ongoing changes. Because what will determine the future of work is not limited to the capabilities of machines, but significantly involves how societies manage technology and prepare their workforce to benefit from it.