Digital Lifescapes

While much of the prior interest in automation has focused on very limited worker categories and related tasks -- such as traditional manufacturing -- there's now a growing interest in exploring the potential to automate all types of repetitive work. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications -- as an example, virtual personal assistants and chatbots -- are being adopted rapidly within the global workplace. By 2024, Gartner predicts that these technologies will replace almost 69 percent of the typical manager’s workload. AI Applications Market Development "The role of manager will see a complete overhaul in the next four years," said Helen Poitevin, vice president at Gartner . "Currently, managers often need to spend time filling in forms, updating information and approving workflows. By using AI to automate these tasks, they can spend less time managing transactions and can invest more time on learning, performance management and goal setting." According...

According to the latest market assessment by eMarketer , significant change is happening within the U.S. online population. The average age of Internet users has risen -- to more closely align with the general population. In addition, racial and ethnic characteristics are now mirroring those in the offline population. eMarketer predicts that in 2010, 221 million people in the U.S. will be online -- about 71 percent of the total population. Their numbers will continue to grow, reaching 250 million in 2014 -- more than 77 percent of the population. "Marketers already know they are navigating a dynamic digital landscape in 2010," said Lisa E. Phillips, eMarketer senior analyst. "In five years, the results of some demographic shifts now taking place will become more evident. Internet users will be older, and many will have lower levels of education and annual income." "One thing is certain," she said. "They will be more diverse racially and ethni...