Decoder with Nilay Patel The robots are coming for your office, with NYT’s Kevin Roose
Mar 23, 2021
Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and author of "Futureproof: Nine Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation," dives into the rising influence of robotic process automation (RPA) on the workforce. He explores how RPA transforms professions like accounting and journalism, balancing the efficiency it brings with the risk to job security. Roose also emphasizes the need for human skills, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connections amidst increasing automation, while offering strategies for individuals to thrive in this evolving landscape.
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RPA at Davos
- Kevin Roose learned about RPA from a consultant at Davos, where consulting firms had massive displays.
- These firms offered RPA or "digital transformation" as solutions for businesses.
Boring Bots and Subtle Automation
- Companies don't replace workers with robots overnight, they subtly reduce human roles over time.
- RPA often targets repetitive tasks, overlooking the important social aspects of work.
RPA Targets White-Collar Jobs
- RPA targets repetitive white-collar jobs in back offices, like accounting and legal.
- These jobs, unlike factory jobs, have more "excess" in the economy to trim.
