[Virtual Human 2.0] Smart Partner vs Job Destroyer... "Human-Centered Paradigm Changes"

"An Era of Coexistence with Virtual Humans... New Laws and Systems Need to Be Discussed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Choi] As the activity scope of virtual humans expands, various forecasts are pouring in. Expectations range from virtual humans becoming 'competent assistants' to humans to skepticism that they will become 'job destroyers' replacing human work. Although opinions differ, experts agree that new laws and systems must be discussed to suit an era of coexistence with virtual humans.

Replacing Human Jobs vs New Partners

Professor Kim Myung-joo of the Department of Information Security at Seoul Women’s University (Director of the Barun AI Center) diagnosed that with the emergence of super-large artificial intelligence (AI), uniquely human domains may disappear.

Professor Kim explained, "Just as AlphaGo competed with Lee Sedol in Go, existing AI was seen to replace specific areas by repeatedly learning accumulated knowledge and drawing conclusions based on it. However, super-large AI is extending its reach beyond those areas."

A representative example is engaging in creative activities or personalized services, which were considered human domains. As super-large AI demonstrates capabilities even in high value-added areas, skepticism is growing that it will threaten human jobs.

Accordingly, the concept of jobs and the direction of education may also be shaken. Professor Kim pointed out, "If barricades start to be erected around the domain of super-large AI, the current education system might be teaching for jobs that will all disappear."

On the other hand, Professor Hyun Dae-won of the Department of Knowledge Convergence Media at Sogang University (Dean of the Graduate School of Metaverse) predicted that uniquely human domains will remain even with the advent of super-large AI. Although roles mediating and coordinating services, such as in banking and counseling, are being largely replaced, creative areas will provide differentiated value.

Professor Hyun explained, "AI may design, but just as handcrafted shoes made by humans are valued more, advanced and creative work will remain a human domain."

He also foresaw the emergence of a new expert field as super-large AI partners. In the past, the concept was that humans create AI, but since super-large AI can self-improve, a highly skilled expert group collaborating with them will be formed.

Professor Hyun said, "In this case, productivity will increase and surplus value will grow. Humans will be freed from repetitive labor and enjoy valuable and creative work, so looking positively, a utopia may come."

"Concerns Over Widening Social Gaps... Need to Consider New Systems"

Both experts agreed on concerns that super-large AI could deepen social disparities.

Professor Hyun said, "Although a highly skilled expert group will emerge, there will be so-called 'unrelated people,' that is, those replaced by AI living within social safety nets. Since winner-takes-all competition for super-large AI technology has already begun, issues of disparity and distribution cannot be left to developer ethics alone."

Professor Kim also expressed concerns about widening gaps between individuals, companies, and countries. Except for a few who can handle super-large AI well, the lower part of the hourglass-shaped social structure is expected to grow.

Professor Kim said, "Since super-large AI parameters are reaching trillions, enormous computing power and advanced personnel are required. Ultimately, the capital battle will intensify, and gaps between companies and countries will widen."

Furthermore, there are concerns that human-centered legal systems and values themselves may be shaken. If super-large AI contributes more to profit generation and even engages in creation, legal issues such as decision-making authority and copyright may arise. As interactions with virtual humans increase, they may take a central position in relationships.

Professor Kim stated, "There are already many cases of marriages with virtual humans, and at Google, an internal developer even sued for human rights violations by super-large AI. As the influence of super-large AI grows, traditional values, legal systems, human rights, and concepts of relationships will change."

Professor Hyun emphasized, "A singularity may suddenly occur where superintelligence surpasses human levels and even the combined abilities of individual humans. We must start considering social systems suitable for that from now."