The Truth on AI’s Impact on America’s Workforce
As I await a response from The New York Times regarding my book on ethical AI and my advocacy efforts over the last six months, it's becoming increasingly clear that the United States is headed towards an economic iceberg. However, there is still time to steer this ship away from disaster, especially if the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act, announced by the Biden-Harris Administration, is enacted and implemented before the next election. This act would establish critical boundaries on AI.
In Europe, where I am from, governments are making ethical decisions in collaboration with the private sector to prevent mass firings during this transitional period. The world has never faced a technology capable of replacing nearly everyone's skill set, (latest statement according to Elon Musk) and the potential economic and social stress is immense. If the current trajectory continues unchecked, the repercussions could be catastrophic.
Consider the potential influence of AI and technology on elections. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, all owned by Mark Zuckerberg, can analyze conversations and sway opinions through targeted propaganda. The concern is that powerful figures like Donald Trump could exploit these technologies to manipulate votes, leveraging AI to influence public opinion and election outcomes. The ethical implications of such technology are staggering, and the potential for abuse is high.
The Biden-Harris Administration has attempted to address these concerns through legislative measures like Senate Bill 1047 (known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Systems Act) and the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act of 2024. However, implementation takes time. While the Democrats supported these bills, Republican members abstained from voting. This raises the question: why doesn't the Republican Party support the implementation of ethical AI measures? Meanwhile, countries like Europe, India, and Singapore are proactively assessing the impact of new AI tools before they are released, ensuring that workforce implications are thoroughly considered.
The entertainment industry is a prime example of AI's disruptive potential. With tools that can create blockbuster-quality movies from simple prompts, the job security of countless professionals is at risk. Similarly, the president of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that AI and automation could impact 40% of the global workforce, with up to 60% in developed economies like the United States. This translates to six out of ten people potentially losing their jobs.
Fast food workers are already experiencing this shift, with AI-driven machines replacing human workers in places like Wendy's and McDonald's. These machines are cheaper, more reliable, and can work around the clock, making them an attractive option for businesses facing rising labor costs. The implications extend beyond fast food; professionals in fields like data analysis are also at risk. AI tools can now perform tasks that once required skilled human workers, threatening jobs that were previously considered secure.
The economic model where a small fraction of the population controls the majority of wealth cannot sustain a stable society. If the trend continues, with six out of ten people potentially jobless in the next five to seven years, we could face a scenario reminiscent of "The Hunger Games," where the elite control the nation's wealth. This level of economic disparity is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to global stability.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies, such as LLaMA 3 and GPT-4, is outpacing our ability to adapt. The government must step up and establish rules and guidelines to ensure that AI development does not lead to widespread job displacement and economic instability. The impact is already evident, with thousands of tech sector employees losing their jobs to AI every week.
We must unite and voice our concerns. Whether through social media campaigns like #VoiceForChange, writing to state senators, or calling congressional representatives, collective action is essential. This is a silent struggle, but it is not one we should fight alone. We must act now to prevent AI from driving us into economic and social turmoil. Let's use our voices to ensure a future where technology enhances human life rather than displaces it.
#VoiceForChange # DemandEthicalAI
