Hello everyone, I hope this is the right place to put this.
From my current understanding, AI has already replaced a lot of jobs and will continue to do so at an accelerating pace. I understand that AI will also create new jobs, but I personally can’t imagine a world where AI will hire even half of the people it replaces.
Here’s why:
Increased Productivity: If companies can achieve 4 times the productivity with fewer employees (due to AI), why would they maintain a larger workforce? In a profit-driven economy, the incentive is to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
Weakened Worker Power: This drastic reduction in workforce could significantly weaken the bargaining power of workers. It would become much harder to unionize and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Let’s consider the trucking industry as an example. Within the next 15-20 years, most truck drivers will likely be replaced by automated vehicles. We’re already seeing this happen in places like San Francisco with fully automated taxis like waymo.
My question is: Would the US economy be sustainable if 70% of its workers became obsolete?
I’m concerned about the potential social and economic consequences of this rapid technological change.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives on this issue.