The ChatGPT Effect: Kolkata girl's tale of 90% income drop amid AI job takeover

The feared arrival of AI taking over jobs is now a reality. And it's not just one person's story – it's happening to many, like 22-year-old Sharanya Bhattacharya from Kolkata. Their lives are undergoing a big change because of ChatGPT. This new technology is starting to change traditional jobs, like those of copywriters and ghostwriters. Here's what exactly is happening to people's lives.

The disruptive influence of ChatGPT is now being felt by professionals like Sharanya who were reliant on roles as copywriters, ghostwriters, and side hustlers. As AI takes on tasks in the writing realm, individuals in these roles find themselves navigating uncertainty and reevaluating their paths. The companies she used to write for didn't say anything about why she was getting fewer assignments. But she thinks that the reason might be the new ChatGPT, which businesses are using to save money.

Sharanya Bhattacharya is a student of biological science at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. The challenges she faced in her personal and work life have had a big impact on her mental health. The uncertainty about what lies ahead, combined with the emotional strain of the situation, affected her deeply. She had to deal with feelings of anxiety, being directionless, and even had panic attacks.

“This is how I earn money while also studying. It was really tough when I started getting less and less work," she shared. "I've been feeling worried, lost, and even had panic attacks. These past few months haven't been good for me," she shared with SWNS.

As the emergence of ChatGPT gained momentum, Sharanya saw her workload dwindle, impacting her earnings and stability. By late 2022, she went from writing several pieces a week to just one or two per month. The transformative effects of AI brought about a shift she had not anticipated.

The sudden reduction in writing assignments took a toll on Sharanya's family, resulting in a significant income drop and adjustments in their way of life. The luxuries they once enjoyed became unattainable, leading to challenging financial decisions.

In her interview with the SWNS, she revealed that her earnings, which used to support them well, dropped a huge 90 percent. All of a sudden, they had to deal with serious money troubles, and things they used to enjoy became too expensive. They had to change how they live to manage basic needs like food and bills.

While facing the emotional turmoil caused by the AI revolution, Sharanya hopes for a future where humans and AI collaborate to enhance creativity and skills, rather than replace them entirely. She envisions a world where technology complements human endeavours, fostering a harmonious coexistence.

Before ChatGPT's rise, Sharanya's life centred around a dual commitment: her studies and her role as a copywriter and ghostwriter. Her contributions not only enriched her skills but also provided financial support to her mother, Bandana, who sold sarees to make ends meet.