WHY SOFT SKILLS MATTER MORE THAN EVER IN THE AGE OF AI
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soft skills, artificial intelligence, communication, emotional intelligence, education, 21st-century skills, leadership, employability##article.abstract##
In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), soft skills have become increasingly vital
for professional and academic success. While AI can outperform humans in data
processing and automation, it lacks emotional intelligence, adaptability, critical
thinking, and interpersonal communication—skills that define human interaction and
leadership. This paper explores the growing importance of soft skills in the digital age,
examining key research in education, labor economics, and organizational psychology.
Drawing on the work of scholars such as James J. Heckman, Melissa Robles, and
Daniel Goleman, the study illustrates how soft skills enhance employability, promote
collaboration, and complement technological innovation. It proposes an integrated
framework for soft skills development in higher education and the workplace and
argues that cultivating these human-centered abilities is essential for thriving alongside
AI.
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Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.
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