More Jobs Predicted for Machines, Not People

In the New York Times article, "More Jobs Predicted for Machines, Not People," the argument is that jobs are being lost because of technological advances, which include “robotics, numerically controlled machines, computerized inventory control, voice recognition and online commerce”. It is interesting to notice the changing trend of the labor force. It first started off with the majority being slaves, then as time went by women were added more prominently to the labor force, and now everyone in the labor force seems to not be safe from technological advances. Both high-skilled and low-skilled workers are threatened by the potential of technology. Research done by renowned economists shows that corporate spending has increased on equipment and software while payrolls have been stagnant. It will be interesting to see in the long run the effects of technology and the gap between Third-World countries. They more advanced the technology gets, the more it will be necessary for the LDCs to have it as well to somewhat keep up with the world. This phenomenon may just continue instead of improve the trend of economic convergence between developed countries and economic divergence between the developed and developing world.