IT and 21st Century Employment

Abstract

I began writing occasional articles about the possible effects of IT on future employment in 2016. Although that was only six years ago, it seems much longer, given all that has happened since then. Some of these happenings were “unknown unknowns,” which helps confirm Yogi's quip that, “predictions are hard, especially about the future.” This article will review some of the significant happenings of the last six years and speculate about their relation to IT and employment—and some other things beyond employment. I will conclude with an optimistic opinion about our (the United States) long-term future.