Goldman Sachs has begun testing an autonomous software engineer called Devin, developed by the AI startup Cognition. This program is expected to work alongside the bank's 12,000 human developers. Marco Argenti, Goldman’s technology chief, mentioned that Devin is designed to perform complex tasks typically handled by human engineers, such as building applications and updating code.

Cognition claims that Devin is the world's first AI software engineer and has demonstrated its capabilities in completing multi-step assignments with little human intervention. The introduction of this technology reflects the rapid adoption of AI in corporate environments. Other major firms like JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley have also started using AI tools to assist employees.

Argenti indicated that initially, hundreds of Devins will be employed at Goldman Sachs, with potential growth into thousands based on various use cases. He noted that this advanced form of AI could significantly enhance productivity—up to three or four times more than previous tools.

While Devin will be supervised by human workers and tasked with repetitive jobs, there are concerns about job security among employees as banks may reduce their workforce due to increasing automation. Research suggests that up to 200,000 banking jobs could be lost globally over the next few years because of AI implementation.

The arrival of such powerful AI technologies marks a significant shift in how work may be done in financial institutions and other sectors moving forward.

Original article

This article is mostly about telling a story and doesn't give you, the reader, something you can do right now. It's like a big explanation about a new robot friend called Devin who can do some really smart things at work, but it doesn't teach you how to make your own Devin or tell you what to do if you want a job like that. It's more like a fun story about something new and exciting, but it doesn't help you with your life or give you a plan to follow. It also doesn't have any special secrets or important rules that you need to know. So, while it's interesting, it's not something that will make your life better or teach you something really useful. It's just a story about a cool robot and some big companies.

The introduction of autonomous software engineers like Devin at Goldman Sachs raises concerns about the impact on family and community stability. As AI assumes tasks traditionally performed by human engineers, there is a risk of significant job loss, potentially affecting up to 200,000 banking jobs globally. This could lead to economic instability for families who rely on these incomes, undermining their ability to care for children and elders.

The increased productivity brought about by AI may benefit the company, but it also shifts the balance of responsibility away from human workers, potentially eroding the sense of duty and purpose that comes with meaningful employment. As families struggle to adapt to reduced incomes or lost jobs, community trust may be broken, and social cohesion could suffer.

Furthermore, the reliance on AI technologies like Devin may diminish the natural duties of parents and extended kin to provide for their families. The loss of employment opportunities could force individuals to seek alternative means of supporting their loved ones, potentially leading to increased stress and decreased family cohesion.

The long-term consequences of widespread adoption of AI in the workforce could be detrimental to family continuity and community survival. As more jobs are automated, the number of stable, well-paying positions available to support families may decrease, leading to reduced birth rates and a fraying of social bonds.

In practical terms, this shift towards automation could result in:

1. Reduced economic security for families, making it more challenging to care for children and elders. 2. Eroded community trust as individuals struggle to adapt to changing employment landscapes. 3. Decreased sense of purpose and responsibility among workers, potentially leading to decreased family cohesion. 4. Increased reliance on distant or impersonal authorities for support, rather than local kinship bonds.

To mitigate these consequences, it is essential to emphasize personal responsibility and local accountability. Companies like Goldman Sachs must consider the potential impacts on their employees' families and communities when adopting AI technologies. This could involve providing training and support for workers transitioning to new roles or investing in local initiatives that promote economic stability and community development.

Ultimately, the unchecked spread of AI in the workforce could have severe consequences for family continuity and community survival. It is crucial to prioritize human dignity, local responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable populations as we navigate this technological shift. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more balanced approach that supports both economic productivity and social cohesion.

"Goldman Sachs has begun testing an autonomous software engineer called Devin..."

This sentence uses a passive voice construction to obscure the fact that Goldman Sachs is the active agent in this process. It gives the impression that the testing is happening on its own, without explicitly mentioning the bank's role. This passive construction can make the bank's actions seem less intentional and more like a natural, inevitable process.

"...developed by the AI startup Cognition."

Here, the use of the word "developed" implies a certain level of expertise and innovation on the part of Cognition, the AI startup. It presents Cognition as the creator and innovator, which could influence readers to view them more favorably and associate them with cutting-edge technology.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around the introduction of Devin, the autonomous software engineer. One notable emotion is excitement, which is evident in the description of Devin's capabilities and potential impact. The text highlights Devin's ability to perform complex tasks, build applications, and update code, all of which are typically handled by human engineers. This excitement is further amplified by the claim that Devin is the world's first AI software engineer, suggesting a significant technological advancement. The excitement serves to capture the reader's attention and create a sense of anticipation for the potential benefits Devin could bring.

Another emotion that surfaces is concern, particularly regarding job security. The text mentions that Devin will be supervised by human workers and tasked with repetitive jobs, which may lead to a reduction in the workforce. This concern is supported by research suggesting that AI implementation could result in the loss of up to 200,000 banking jobs globally. The emotion of concern is strategically placed to evoke empathy from the reader, as it highlights the potential impact on employees and the broader workforce.

The text also conveys a sense of awe and wonder, especially when describing Devin's capabilities. Phrases like "complex tasks typically handled by human engineers" and "completing multi-step assignments with little human intervention" emphasize Devin's advanced abilities and the potential for significant productivity gains. This emotion is used to inspire a sense of curiosity and interest in the reader, encouraging them to explore the possibilities and potential benefits of such technology.

To persuade the reader, the writer employs a range of rhetorical devices. One notable technique is the use of repetition, specifically in emphasizing Devin's capabilities and potential impact. By repeatedly mentioning Devin's ability to perform complex tasks and enhance productivity, the writer reinforces the idea that this technology is a significant advancement. Additionally, the writer compares Devin to previous tools, suggesting that Devin is a more advanced and effective solution, which further enhances the emotional impact and persuades the reader of Devin's superiority.

The text also employs a subtle form of exaggeration when describing the potential job losses due to AI implementation. By stating that "up to 200,000 banking jobs could be lost," the writer creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the scale of the potential impact. This exaggeration is a persuasive technique aimed at capturing the reader's attention and evoking a stronger emotional response, particularly concern and empathy for those who may be affected.

Overall, the emotions expressed in the text guide the reader's reaction by creating a balance between excitement for technological advancements and concern for potential job losses. The writer skillfully employs emotional language and persuasive techniques to capture the reader's interest, evoke empathy, and shape their opinion on the introduction of Devin and the broader implications of AI in corporate environments.