Ever since the internet became a part of daily life, people have been predicting major changes in how we live and work. Remember when experts said the internet would kill brick-and-mortar stores? They claimed everything would go online and physical shopping would disappear. Yet here we are — still enjoying browsing, trying things on, and the experience of walking through a store. ### **The Human Side of Technology** The failure of those predictions reminds us of a simple truth: **technology doesn’t replace our basic human needs**. It can help, assist, and even entertain us — but it can't replace a friend or the warmth of someone saying, _“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”_ No matter how advanced AI becomes, it won’t be able to replicate the human touch — literally or emotionally. Many technologists often forget that **technology should solve human problems, not try to replace humanity**. AI may give advice or generate ideas, but it can’t understand you, support you emotionally, or create with the same originality humans can. ### **AI’s Real Impact on Jobs** In the 1970s and 80s, **robots changed factories**, replacing many blue-collar jobs. Car factories, for example, once full of workers, now rely heavily on machines. When those workers protested, the solution offered was “reskill.” But here’s the twist — **AI won’t have the same impact on blue-collar work**. AI can’t fix your plumbing, handle your luggage at the airport, or build your house. Those jobs require hands-on skill and adaptability. In contrast, **AI is going to hit white-collar, knowledge-based jobs harder**. Writing, data analysis, and even customer service are already being affected. ### **But It’s Not All Doom and Gloom** New jobs will emerge — jobs we can’t even imagine yet. Skill sets will shift. For example, **AI can write a rough first draft**, but humans with strong **editing and creative skills will become more valuable than ever**. Editors, thinkers, and creatives who bring new ideas to life will lead the way. AI works by looking at the past. Humans, however, imagine the future. **AI asks, “Where did we come from?” — but we ask, “Where are we going?”** So the real opportunity? **Use AI as a tool, not a replacement**. The future will reward those who think forward, innovate, and stay human in a world of machines.