Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid rate, with computer programs now able to accomplish tasks on their own, which was thought impossible just 5 years ago.

AI is just one in a long parade of technological advances that have disrupted the world of work over the past 200 years. Like the steam engine, television, internet, and virtual reality before it, AI is another form of technology set to revolutionize the way we live our lives. From the voice-enabled assistants on our phones to the nudging reminders in Gmail, we use AI (or should we say, it uses us?) every day.

In the 1940s, Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter used the phrase “creative destruction” to refer to the ways in which technological advancements can improve the lives of the majority. However, he theorized, this improvement can only happen at the expense of a much smaller number of people. A good example of this occurred during the industrial revolution.

The vast number of changes and improvements that occurred over the course of a short period of time benefitted society as a whole. However, many individual tradespeople and craftsmen lost their jobs and livelihoods. Unless they were able to adapt and move on to a new career path, they were hit very hard.

Similarly, the new world of Artificial Intelligence is also set to disrupt the economy, and some industries will be affected for years to come. Here are some of the industries that experts are predicting will be hardest hit. This list is just a small sample and is meant to show you just how many industries will be affected and disrupted. Is your field represented below?

5 Industries Experts Predict Will Be Disrupted by AI

1. Travel agencies – Traditional storefront travel agencies have already been extremely affected by the internet. Now, machine learning and AI are set to revolutionize travel planning yet again. AI can allow consumers to experience travel destinations, airline cabins, and hotel rooms, which could further eliminate the need for a travel agent.

2. Tax accountants and bookkeepers – Preparing a detailed tax return can be complex, especially for those who own their own businesses or are self-employed. In the past, most people have turned to an accountant to help them, but tax software has made their role less important over time. AI can help clients by suggesting deductions and recommending divergent ways of doing things.

3. Casinos – In the past, if you wanted to enjoy some games of chance and have a good time playing poker or the slots, you had to go to the casino. Today, AI-enabled casino apps and websites use live dealers, meaning that you can gamble from the comfort of your own home. The dealers and career cocktail waitresses in Las Vegas, Macau and Monte Carlo are all feeling the pressure.

4. Translators – Traditionally, language translation has been undertaken by professional human translators, as has proofreading and dictation. AI has helped digital translation options improve, allowing them to ‘guess’ what speakers and writers mean. The result is an improved level of accuracy and documents that read smoothly and as if it was written by a native speaker.

5. Financial professionals, including brokers and advisors – Financial professionals have reported losing business to online trading and advising websites, such as E*Trade, Betterment, Robinhood, and Twenty Over Ten. AI helps these sites and apps make smart and educated decisions based on available information, and they tend to charge far lower commissions.

As you can see from the list above, industries from across a wide array of sectors are experiencing disruption as the result of AI. As more and more people express a preference for dealing with an app or AI-enabled robot rather than speaking with a person on the phone or in person, we can expect these numbers to continue to grow.

What Will AI Mean for the Future of Employment in These Industries?

Will workers be able to adapt to the new world of AI in their industries? Will they be able to find employment in adjacent fields, or will they need to upskill and acquire new training and education in order to stay relevant? The future of AI is certain to affect us all.