An essay exploring the 2017 documentary Will a Robot Steal My Job? and its implications for education, lifelong learning, and the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
The 2017 documentary Will a Robot Steal My Job?, presented by journalist Anne-Marie Tomchak, explores one of the most pressing questions of our time: how will artificial intelligence (AI) impact the world of work? Through engaging interviews with experts, real-life examples of automation, and thoughtful reflection, the film investigates the growing presence of AI in society and what that means for people's jobs, skills, and future prospects. While the documentary primarily focuses on the workplace, it also raises important implications for education and what the school of the future might look like in an increasingly automated world.
The Core Message of the Documentary
The documentary highlights how AI and robotics are no longer confined to science fiction. From self-driving cars and automated customer service agents to software that can write basic news reports, intelligent machines are already replacing human workers in some areas. Tomchak meets with a range of experts and professionals to understand the scope of this change. Among them is Martin Ford, the author of Rise of the Robots, who emphasizes that AI will not just replace repetitive, manual jobs, but also some white-collar professions such as accounting, law, and even journalism.
The film also addresses the fear and anxiety many people feel about automation. Historically, every industrial revolution has caused job losses in the short term, but also created new types of jobs in the long run. However, the pace of AI development is so rapid that it may be harder this time for workers to adapt. One of the film's key messages is that society must take these developments seriously and begin preparing now—especially through education and skills training. …