Narayana Murthy: AI Won't Steal Jobs, It Creates Better Ones

Amid widespread apprehension about artificial intelligence decimating jobs, Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has emerged as a prominent voice of optimism, arguing that the fear of technology-led job losses is misplaced. The tech veteran posits that AI, much like previous technological revolutions, will serve as a powerful tool to augment human capabilities, boost productivity, and ultimately create new and more complex job roles rather than eliminate existing ones.[1][2] Murthy's perspective is not one of abstract theory but is grounded in personal experience and historical precedent, offering a counter-narrative to the prevailing anxiety surrounding the future of work in an AI-driven world. He revealed that he personally uses generative AI tools like ChatGPT to significantly enhance his own efficiency, a testament to his belief in AI as an assistive, not a replacement, technology.[3][4][5]

Drawing parallels to the past, Murthy frequently cites the introduction of computers into the banking sector in the 1970s.[1] He recalls a time of intense fear and opposition from unions, particularly in Britain, who were concerned that computerization would lead to mass unemployment.[2][6] However, the historical outcome proved these fears unfounded. Instead of shrinking, the banking industry expanded dramatically, with Murthy estimating that jobs in the sector multiplied by a factor of 40 to 50.[1][6] The technology made banking services more efficient and accessible, leading to a surge in customer demand and, consequently, job creation.[2][7] He believes the current wave of AI will follow a similar trajectory, initially sparking fear but eventually leading to industry growth and new opportunities by allowing employees to be more productive.[8][7]

In a candid revelation, Murthy shared how he leverages ChatGPT, an AI tool from OpenAI, to prepare his speeches and lectures, a task he takes very seriously.[8] He explained that what previously took him 25 to 30 hours of meticulous work, involving structuring themes and crafting a strong message, can now be accomplished in just five hours with the help of AI.[3][7] This represents a five-fold increase in his personal productivity.[9][7] Murthy, who was introduced to the technology by his son Rohan Murty, emphasizes that the true skill in using AI lies not in the tool itself, but in the user's ability to ask the right questions and provide precise requirements.[8][10] This experience reinforces his conviction that AI should be viewed as an augmentative tool that enhances human intellect and efficiency, rather than a substitute for it.[4][11]

Looking toward the future of the IT industry, Murthy envisions a significant evolution of job roles, driven by AI's capabilities. He dismisses concerns that coders will become obsolete, arguing instead that their roles will become more sophisticated.[12] In his view, AI will excel at creating basic frameworks and "skeletons" of code, automating the more repetitive aspects of programming.[3][4] This automation will free up human programmers and analysts to focus on higher-level tasks.[12] According to Murthy, future professionals will become "smarter and smarter in defining better and better requirements, more complex requirements."[1][11][10] They will be tasked with solving bigger and more intricate problems, leveraging AI as a tool to build high-quality, complex programs more easily and efficiently.[3][12] This shift will require adaptation and upskilling, with a greater emphasis on problem-solving and strategic planning.[12]

In conclusion, Narayana Murthy’s stance offers a robustly optimistic outlook on the integration of artificial intelligence into the workforce. He posits that AI will not be a destroyer of jobs, but a creator of different, more intellectually demanding ones.[1][11] By drawing on historical analogies like the computerization of banking and his own significant productivity gains from using tools like ChatGPT, he argues that AI's primary role will be to assist and augment human capabilities.[1][8] For the IT industry, this means a future where professionals are empowered to tackle more complex challenges, driving innovation and growth.[11][10] Murthy's message is a call to embrace AI strategically, focusing on how it can enhance productivity and quality, rather than succumbing to fears of replacement.[3][6] He suggests that the key to navigating this technological shift lies in human ingenuity—the ability to ask the right questions and define the complex problems for AI to help solve.[10]