The Future of Jobs: Artificial Intelligence and Leisure Time

As we dive into the twenty-first century, the question of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment and leisure time remains a central concern. Will AI bring about a utopia of leisure time, or will it lead to widespread unemployment and a future where meaningful work is a thing of the past?

Replacing Humans: The Enigma of AI

The purported goal of AI is to replace human labor. Already, artists, writers, and other creative professionals are being displaced by automated systems. The inevitability of this trend suggests that the point of life will eventually be to simply wander and survive, as AI performs all practical tasks. This raises the question: without the need for meaningful work, will humanity be rendered obsolete by AI, or will we perish due to lack of purpose?

Motivation and the Human Psyche

Humans require meaningful work or a goal to aim for in order to thrive. Without these, the brain enters a state of lethargy, leading to a decline in cognitive function. This phenomenon has been observed in many third-world countries and some indigenous populations. When a community senses a lack of future prospects, it loses hope and becomes apathetic. This can result in a significant decline in intellectual abilities, much like the scenario depicted in the movie ldquo;Wall-E.rdquo;

The Impact of AI on Productivity and Employment

AI is already revolutionizing industries through automation and machine learning. In the United States, millions of jobs are now handled by either machine-learned processes or narrow-scope artificial intelligences. This transformation poses the single greatest threat to employment in the 21st century. Companies are beginning to explore ways to manage increased productivity from automation, such as redistributed taxes or universal productivity wages.

For example, if 1,000,000 jobs are replaced and each job pays an average of $60,000 annually, the increased production value would be a staggering $60 billion. Assuming a 10% tax on this productivity, that would translate to $6 billion distributed among 300 million U.S. citizens, or approximately $20 per person. This scenario assumes a loss of 1,000,000 full-time equivalent human jobs. However, the potential for further job displacement is substantial.

By the year 2050, it is estimated that the overall productivity of every American company could generate about $800-1,000 per month for each U.S. citizen, similar to the land-use royalties paid to Alaskan citizens. This future economy will require a different skill set, with jobs focusing on experiential services, therapy, education, and maintenance of automated systems. Many repetitive and factory-based jobs will be automated, while roles that involve human interaction will remain vital.

Conclusion

While AI will undoubtedly make many jobs obsolete, it will also create new opportunities and industries. The key to navigating this impending change lies in preparing for a future where humans must adapt to new roles that cannot be easily automated. Embracing innovative solutions and reimagining the nature of work will be crucial for maintaining a vibrant and productive society.

Best of luck to all of us as we chart the future of work in the age of AI.

~Chris