AI intensifies work
One of the first studies on the relationship between AI and work shows an interesting and solid result: AI intensifies work, it does not reduce it. Even without that conclusion, it’s an interesting article because we all want to understand how our work is going to change.
I have to think of who’s been pocketing advances in productivity ever since Keynes speculated about the 15 hour work week: not workers! And a lot of workers undestandibly don’t mind this, because productivity can give you an advantage that doesn’t save time, but earn you more money. And guess what people, business owners and employees alike, overwhelmingly prefer?
I also have to think about addiction, obesity, mental issues due to social media overuse; we as a biological species are not programmed for surplus, we don’t know how to set our own goals and boundaries. Plus, we measure against peers, so we don’t want the same house but a 15 hour work week, we want a 40 hour work week and a bigger house, just like the neighbour. Or at least, many people can’t make that decision.
As scarcity decreasingly is an issue, I wonder when, or if, our species will ever adapt and simply choose a level and state we are comfortable in without feeling pressure or need to stay in the rat race.