The Luddites Are Almost Always Wrong: Why Tech Doesn't Kill Jobs 674
Mystakaphoros writes "Mike Masnick of Techdirt argues that we can all put down our wooden shoes and take a chill pill: technology 'rarely destroys jobs.' For example, telephone operators have largely gone by the wayside, but a (brave) new world of telemarketing and call center support jobs have opened up because of advances in technology, not to mention the Internet. Masnick points out writing from Professor James Bessen that makes the same point: 'In other cases, technology creates offsetting job growth in different occupations or industry segments. For example, word processors and voice mail systems reduced the numbers of typists and switchboard operators, but these technologies also increased the number of more highly skilled secretaries and receptionists, offsetting the job losses. Similarly, Amazon may have eliminated jobs at Borders and other national book chains that relied on bestsellers, but the number of independent booksellers has been growing and with it, more jobs for sales clerks who can provide selections and advice that Amazon cannot easily match.' That said, I think it's worth asking: if machines are going to replace all our fast food workers, are we going to start paying our gourmet chefs minimum wage just because we can?"
Re:Sure, to lower paying jobs (Score:5, Funny)
Who are we kidding? Developers don't start at grade B, they clearly start at grade F.
Re:Sure, to lower paying jobs (Score:5, Funny)
Who are we kidding? Developers don't start at grade B, they clearly start at grade F.
And if you're like me, you basically remain at Grade F and then go become an English major.
Re:Sure, to lower paying jobs (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Tech should make jobs obsolete (Score:4, Funny)
Hell Mr Marx, nice to see you're back.
Good luck with that revolution of yours, I heard the last one didn't go so well. :-)
Yes, what you just said is the core ideal of Marxism.
Not that it's bad... just maybe not realistic, given human nature to horde.