Technology won't save us, but it can help us (think automation)

Technology cannot solve all our problems. I say that frequently because it's true. Technology provides wonderful tools to enhance what we are already doing by making us more efficient. It makes things faster. Rather, the things that are laborious and do not involve higher level thinking are perfect to be influenced by technology, specifically, automation. But what is automation?

Automation is "the use of machines or technology to perform simple human tasks without much human intervention."  Where we will see the benefits the most are in AI. Think fillable forms. You gather necessary information and have it populated in routine forms. 

Automation isn't new. Some of the greatest technological breakthroughs have been seemingly simple improvements such as the assembly line invented by Henry Ford. Ford installed it on December 1, 1913. It allowed for the mass production of automobiles. As a result, people all over America bought cars. Eventually the interstate highway system grew up after World War II. And now we can't imagine life without driving.

Automation through AI will be similar because it will allow us to process work faster especially in the legal field (personal injury,  M&A, workers comp, VA, Social Security disability, and wills and estates are all examples of practice areas that will benefit). We already see its benefits with forms that auto-populate, faster online systems, and self-guided systems. 

The downside for the American labor market is it could in theory take away jobs. Arguably, it will create jobs, too. Ultimately, I think it will benefit us by creating more opportunities and careers we haven't even imagined yet. 

It's nothing to be afraid of like some Twilight Zone episode.

But technology won't think for us. Rather, it shouldn't. We should still think for ourselves. In this way, technology won't solve all our problems. But it can greatly benefit it. Those who learn to use technology such as automation to enhancer their productivity will be the ones who do well in modern day America--especially in the legal field.