The working machine & idle man

The rise of Artificial Intelligence has brought forth significant technological advancements and revolutions. Its immense capabilities and potential have enabled it to perform numerous tasks that humans would find difficult or impossible to complete. As a result, AI has significantly impacted industries and societies globally, leading to more efficient and productive systems.

However, the increasing use of AI technology has sparked a debate on its impact on human labor, with many concerned about the rise of unemployment and idleness. The discussion so far has been centered around the issues around possible unemployment. But I feel that an even more crucial item to address is the issues of people growing bored and restless in a world powered by AI.

Let’s start with that first familiar discussion around employment.

With the advent of AI, machines can do more than ever before, and their capabilities continue to increase. Automation has already replaced several jobs, and it is expected that more jobs will be replaced in the future. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, AI will have replaced 85 million jobs globally, while creating 97 million new jobs.

While the creation of new jobs is a positive development, the loss of jobs is not. Unemployment can lead to social, economic, and psychological issues, including poverty, depression, and stress. As such, it is crucial to address these issues and find ways to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equally.

One potential solution to address these concerns is to focus on reskilling and upskilling. In the new world order, it is essential to have a workforce that is trained to work with machines. While AI can do some jobs, it cannot do all jobs, and there will always be a need for human involvement. The jobs of the future will require individuals with skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

That is all well and good. People are for the most part a creative and resilient breed. We created AI for once so we’re not all that bad and uncreative. The problem is that creativity is not something that comes naturally to all. It’s a gift that some people have, and others might have to struggle and unlock. Today’s society has downplayed its role, in general, and focused around uplifting a handful of creatives as being just that, creative.

Most people are not paid to be creative, and their input and ideas are not needed or wanted. This has made the creative process into something that is not natural for most people, even if they do possess the ability. I blame the parents… and the schools… and society. We are all to blame!

Another solution that has been discussed is a more lenient taxation and reforms to encourage startups and entrepreneurship. This also comes back to that unlocked superpower, creativity. Before we go any further, we first need to learn how to unlock it, on mass. Yet another solution is a better taxation model of the industry and workforce that has replaced us, that of AI. This so that we can handle upskilling and give benefits to thoughts that are left unemployed. This is all well and good and should in the short term be something we start to address. But… It leaves us with the other question that also needs to be addressed. That of idleness and boredom.

With AI replacing jobs that were once done by humans, there is a substantial risk that people may become bored and restless due to a lack of engagement in meaningful work. This is especially true for people who have spent most of their lives working in industries that have now become automated. They may feel left behind and without any sense of purpose, leading to increased levels of anxiety and depression.

In addition, the widespread use of AI technology will lead to an increase in leisure time for people who have been displaced from work. While this may sound like a good thing (who doesn’t want more leisure time), it can lead to feelings of restlessness and boredom.

We are creative as a species so when we have nothing to do we tend to create something for us to do. Hopefully this is creating new muffin recipes and new interesting artforms, new companies and business models and a better and brighter world. But humanity has a darker side to it.

Many people derive their sense of purpose, identity and self-worth from their work, and without it, they may feel lost and unfulfilled. In some cases, the lack of meaningful activities can lead to destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, violence and crime in general.

I often say that

Idle is the mind killer!

I’m of course ripping off the movie and book series Dune, and replacing a single word, showing the lack of creativity that I possess but the sentiment is true, nevertheless. Our brains need something to do, our minds, hands and bodies should not go idle, or the machinery of man starts to break down.

Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue of people growing bored and restless in a world powered by machines.

One potential solution is to shift the focus of the economy from solely productivity to that of well-being. Instead of just maximizing output and profit, governments and businesses could prioritize the satisfaction and happiness of their citizens and employees. This could be achieved by promoting the creation of jobs that involve human interaction, creativity, and personal growth.

Another way to address the issue is to encourage lifelong learning. As industries continue to evolve and new technologies emerge, it is essential for people to keep their skills up to date. Governments and businesses could promote training and educational programs that equip people with the necessary skills to remain relevant in the job market.

Learning has been something that some of us do while others don’t. Education in itself has its flaws and does suit some but not others. We will need to address that and to take a new approach on how education and training should be formed and on what constitutes education and learning.

By doing so, people would have the opportunity to learn and grow, leading to a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making us all happier and more productive. Tougher.

So to sum it all up, the growing use of AI technology has brought forth numerous benefits and efficiencies to various industries. However, there is a risk that it will lead to feelings of unfulfillment and disengagement for millions of people worldwide.

To address this issue, governments and businesses must prioritize the creation of jobs that involve human interaction, creativity, and personal growth. Additionally, they could (and should) promote lifelong learning in conjunction with the use of AI technology to create a symbiotic relationship. We are not enemies AI and us and we should remain friends. For a more fulfilling and productive tomorrow.