The Silent Crisis: Job Displacement Due to AI and Automation
Almost 65,000 Job Cuts Were Announced in April - And AI Was Blamed For The Most Losses Ever - Forbes
In April alone, a staggering 65,000 jobs were lost to artificial intelligence according to data research in a Forbes article, displacing an average of 2,100 workers each day. These individuals, now without income and healthcare, are struggling to secure basic necessities like food and shelter. This isn't just a statistic; it's a harsh reality that I, too, am living. The dystopian future depicted in movies like "The Hunger Games" is no longer confined to fiction. As the Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristina Georgieva, recently warned, this tsunami of job displacement is hitting our shores, and we are alarmingly unprepared.
I refuse to remain silent in the face of this crisis.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec | Advocate for Ethical AI and Job Preservation
I am taking to social media to raise awareness about the unseen and untalked-about job displacement caused by AI and automation.
@user4246159460405: This is too real. Thank you for sharing
Kevin Bihan-Poudec AI Advocate:
Current situation of displaced tech workers is not talked about enough. We can no longer be silenced #VoiceForChange # DemandEthicalAI
@Dallas Clanton: Good luck and this is going to be your moment!!
This is a brilliant idea and amazing way to show the struggle IRL
Kevin Bihan-Poudec AI Advocate:
Struggle is definitely real and happening even though not talked about it in mainstream media. (aka FAKE NEWS) Thousands of us lose their jobs every due to AI. #VoiceForChange # DemandEthicalAI
@kimberlydalzell: Thinking of you. Hoping a job opens for you
Kevin Bihan-Poudec AI Advocate:
Keeping a close eye on tech companies. Most likely after this hiring freeze, as they are streamlining their operation to Al, they will need hire human brains again to stay relevant in the job market or workers may face becoming completely UNHIREABLE due to lack of knowledge and not being competitive enough compared to others. The “Hunger Games" in real life is upon us if not already here. #VoiceForChange #DemandEthicalAI
How convenient that “The Hunger Games” movie is no longer available on the Netflix platform as of June 1, 2024, just in time for 'The Hunger Games' to start in real life.
@BlackStudGenX: File for SDI; It pays 60% of your gross salary. It is a life saver
Kevin Bihan-Poudec AI Advocate:
I applied for EDD unemployment services back in November of last year when I lost my job. Took 2.5 months to get a single penny. Got caught off once I was making a someone stable part-time job as I was making "too much" on paper making $22/hour. Government archaic agencies such as unemployment services which still utilizes FAX machines are not equipped the current demand of displaced workers, yet alone the upcoming demand of displaced workers. We are left alone trying to survive with no real government help.
Lost my job November 16th 2023. First payment by EDD unemployement services was February 8th 2024.
@mjc1810: Justice was definitely not served in the Trump case.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec AI Advocate:
It was sarcasm. He should have been sentenced for him being responsible for the biggest violation on U.S. democracy and be ineligible to run again instead of his porn star scandal.
This issue is not just impacting tech workers like myself; it's also devastating sectors such as the fast food industry and customer service. The mainstream media remains eerily quiet on this topic, likely due to the influence of politicians and tech CEOs who aim to control the narrative.
OpenAI's text-to-video tool “Sora” is looming for public release, putting half a million workers at risk of unemployment.
According to recent data of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 441.7 thousand people were working in the motion picture and sound recording industries in the United States as of January 2024. That value dropped in 2023 to 422 thousand employees before rebounding the following year. - Statista.com
But the repercussions of AI-driven job displacement are only beginning. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has announced the upcoming release of "Sora," a text-to-video tool capable of creating blockbuster-quality movies for a mere $20/month subscription fee. This development threatens to render thousands of jobs in the movie industry obsolete, demonstrating that no sector is safe from the reach of AI.
Despite the growing concerns, AI continues to be under-hyped in mainstream discourse.
The conversation often centers around the potential benefits and advancements, overshadowing the pressing issues of job displacement and economic instability. The public needs to be aware of the profound and immediate impacts AI is having on our society. The lack of widespread acknowledgment and urgent action amplifies the risks of a societal collapse, economic instability, and increased social unrest. This is not merely a job displacement crisis; it is a potential societal collapse of our economy. The looming threat of social unrest and economic instability could signify the beginning of the fall of the American Empire as we know it.
Kevin:
Is it conceivable that the unchecked implementation of artificial intelligence and automation could lead to unprecedented job losses in a relatively short period, potentially triggering social unrest, particularly given the context of the Second Amendment in the United States?
ChatGPT:
Yes, it is conceivable that unchecked implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation could lead to significant job losses in a relatively short period, which could potentially trigger social unrest. The context of the Second Amendment in the United States, which guarantees the right to bear arms, could exacerbate this situation. Here’s how:
1. Job Displacement: Rapid advancements in AI and automation can replace a wide range of jobs across different sectors, from manufacturing and retail to professional services. This displacement could leave many workers unemployed or underemployed, unable to find new jobs that match their skills and experience.
2. Economic Inequality: The benefits of AI and automation are likely to be unevenly distributed, leading to greater economic inequality. While some may gain from increased efficiency and new high-tech jobs, many could be left behind, deepening the divide between the wealthy and the poor.
3. Social Unrest: Widespread job losses and economic inequality can fuel social discontent. People who lose their livelihoods and see no viable path to economic stability may feel disenfranchised and frustrated. This can lead to protests, strikes, and other forms of social unrest as people demand action and support from governments and corporations.
4. Second Amendment Context: The right to bear arms in the U.S. adds a unique dimension to potential social unrest. In a scenario where large segments of the population are economically desperate and feel that their government is not addressing their needs, the presence of firearms could escalate tensions. Protests could become more violent, and there is a risk of armed conflict or even civil unrest.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential for policymakers, businesses, and communities to proactively address the potential impacts of AI and automation. This includes investing in retraining programs, creating social safety nets, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are broadly shared.
I urge everyone to join me in this fight. Share your stories, raise your voice, (use #VoiceForChange) and demand action. We must not let this silent crisis continue unchecked. Together, we can make a difference and push for a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around. Let’s speak up and advocate for #EthicalAI (#DemandEthicalAI) to safeguard societal well-being.
