AI Takes Over: The Real Stories of Workers Replaced by Artificial Intelligence

‘They called it an experiment aimed at younger audiences’

Mateusz Demski, 31, journalist, Kraków, Poland

Mateusz shared his experience of being replaced by AI avatars at Radio Kraków, where he once hosted a morning show. The station introduced AI characters with generated biographies and personalities, claiming it was an experiment for younger audiences. This move sparked ethical debates, especially when one AI avatar, Alex, was designed as a non-binary student specializing in queer subjects, undermining real representation in a country still fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

‘Even those who’ve kept their jobs have had their wages reduced’

Lina Meilina, 30, illustrator, Bandung, Indonesia

Lina's workload as an illustrator dropped significantly due to AI tools like Midjourney, which can replicate art styles with slight modifications. She highlighted the challenges of proving ownership over her work and the broader impact on artists' incomes in Indonesia, where copyright laws are weak.

‘I feel devastated for the younger generation – it’s taking all the creative jobs’

Annabel Beales, 49, copywriter, Southampton, UK

Annabel lost her dream job at a garden center after the marketing department started using ChatGPT for content creation. She expressed concern over the lack of substance in AI-generated content and the broader implications for creative professions.

‘Listening to a series I’d recorded, I heard my character say a line – but it wasn’t my voice’

Richie Tavake, 31, voice actor, San Francisco, US

Richie discovered his voice was used without permission in an AI-generated line for a character he played. This incident underscores the growing concerns in the voice acting industry about AI's role and the need for protections against unauthorized use of actors' voices.

‘I never anticipated they’d get rid of me’

Jadun Sykes, 28, graphic designer, Wakefield, UK

Jadun was shocked when his role as the sole graphic designer was made redundant due to AI's ability to automate design tasks. His story reflects the broader trend of AI replacing skilled jobs and the importance of diversifying skills in the face of technological advancements.