Does technology create or eliminate jobs?

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My uncle lost his job of 30 years or so because of digital technology and many other jobs like suppliers in this area have closed because people do not buy the old film as much any more.
 
I think technology does both. It eliminates jobs that can be done with higher technology and automation. But it also creates jobs for those who use the technology.
Here's an example....Drafters....people who used to draw the plans for machinery - used to be done by hand. But then Autocad came into play and the drafters who used to draw by hand had to learn a new tool or lose their jobs.
So even though jobs are eliminated, others are being created, but the challenge is becoming educated within the new technology.
Hope that helps. :)
 
in the long run I think it creates more than it eliminates, but there are some industries, like your example, where loss of jobs is almost inevitable. For the most part, though, for now, the jobs lost (excluding your example) are often low paying jobs, like parking lot attendants (i pay at a machine now), file clerks (less paper based business items to file). The jobs created tend to be slightly higher paying. This would indicate the need for a more highly skilled and differently skilled workforce.
In many areas of business, it would seem that jobs would be lost, but industries and companies, when able to things faster through technology often find a way to subsequently do more, thus preventing the loss of jobs and actually adding employees. Plus, tech stuff doesnt run itself.

I do feel badly for people like your uncle...that sort of thing is sad. Best of luck to him.
 
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