Major innovations have a history of opening debates around societal power. In the 1800s, the rapid development of industries in the U.S. led factory owners into lives of prosperity, while laborers suffered through terrible working conditions, wages, and hours. As history repeats itself, the rise of Artificial Intelligence suggests financial gains for the elite and poses a great threat to everyone else.
When AI Assembles a Costless Workforce, Employing Humans Becomes a Liability
The predominant concern surrounding AI is job displacement—and rightfully so. The most vulnerable occupations are manual labor and routine tasks, due to the efficiency and productivity AI brings to the table. Customer service has proved to be one of the first victims of this foreseeable mass displacement. (Consider the AI chatbots replacing travel agents.) Unfortunately, job security is of little value in the U.S.; companies will pounce on an opportunity that suggests a greater profit. No matter how loyal, employees will inevitably be seen as liabilities when industries begin replacing paid labor with AI.
Role of Education in Labor Value
With AI’s anticipated take-over of what’s often considered “low-skill” jobs, there will come a dire need for new skill sets. While this may not be a major obstacle for higher-income individuals, education access may be the factor that holds back displaced workers in rural and low-income areas from finding alternative employment. If American education systems struggle to provide equal learning opportunities now, they will most certainly have difficulty with the rapid training necessary to reskill the workforce.
Role of Social Class
Unequal power—created by income inequality and substantial class divisions which could result from the upcoming AI revolution—disturbs society and politics. An overwhelming elite influence paves the way for an oligarchy, in which the government would consist of the super-elite and work to benefit only that specific group. This puts the future of democracy at a significant risk.
There’s No Going Back Now: How Do We Move Forward Without Disturbing Democracy and Human Rights?
As doomed as we may seem, there are ways to improve AI and make it advantageous for everyone. The workforce could reap some of the benefits of new technology if it is used to augment their tasks instead of replacing them. Building the strength of unions and amplifying workers’ voices are necessary steps to create a balance among social classes. Tax policies could be as put in place in order to discourage companies from replacing workers. There are many design techniques that could save us from the detrimental effects of AI as it stands; the question is, will American greed overpower morality?
