Wired: The AI Threat – End of the Middle Class

Researchers of artificial intelligence recognize their work is capable of disrupting the global economy. Automation and computers have already supplanted many jobs that will never return. “In the US, the number of manufacturing jobs peaked in 1979 and has steadily decreased ever since,” explains Cade Metz for Wired. “At the same time, manufacturing has steadily increased, with the US now producing more goods than any other country but China. Machines aren’t just taking the place of humans on the assembly line. They’re doing a better job.” Metz points out such changes in manufacturing happened before AI research was widespread. The next round with robots and artificial intelligence will again target jobs of highly skilled workers. One proposed solution - a universal basic income - could deter innovation or trigger widespread boredom and anger. Likewise, attempts by nations to regulate or prevent AI would reduce competitiveness and thus be self-defeating. – YaleGlobal