The world of work is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this change is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. As we navigate this new era, it's crucial to consider the implications for our humanity and the future of employment.
The Human Factor
One intriguing example is D4YRL, a robot magician rejected by the Magic Circle for lacking the emotional engagement of a human performer. This incident highlights a broader question: what does it mean to be human, and how can we ensure that our unique qualities are valued in a world increasingly dominated by technology?
We Are Not Machines
Sarah O'Connor, an FT journalist, explores this theme in her book, “We Are Not Machines.” She delves into the impact of AI on our jobs and, by extension, our very essence. O'Connor's work sheds light on the experiences of Amazon employees whose tasks are constantly monitored, and the invisible workers in India and Costa Rica who train AI systems by watching endless hours of video footage.
The Creative Crunch
O'Connor also speaks to translators who feel their creative spark dimming as they spend their days correcting AI-generated text, a stark reminder of the potential dehumanizing effects of automation. “I want to have something creative, but I’m not sure that I can have a creative job that’s not endangered,” laments one translator, Petr. “Everywhere you step, there’s AI.”
Reading, Thinking, and Understanding
Additionally, O'Connor raises concerns about the impact of technological shortcuts on our cognitive abilities. She presents evidence suggesting that we may be reading, thinking, and understanding less as we rely more on AI, potentially altering the very nature of human intelligence.
A Call for Conscious Automation
O'Connor's conclusion is not a blanket rejection of AI, but rather a call for thoughtful consideration of which aspects of work should be automated. She argues that just because a robot can technically perform a task, it doesn't mean we should automatically accept its implementation.
The Power of Bargaining
Her reporting reveals stark differences in how technology affects people's working lives, depending on their bargaining power. In Sweden, for example, where union-employer negotiation is deeply rooted, staff and bosses collaborated on introducing autonomous underground trucks in a mine. This contrasts with the experiences of many workers who lack such leverage and are at the mercy of technological changes imposed by their employers.
The Billionaire Tech Bros
Billionaire tech figures like Elon Musk speak with confidence about the dominance of AI and its impact on human workers. However, O'Connor's work highlights the importance of policymakers, business leaders, workers, and consumers having a say in the adoption of new technology. It's about saying “yes” to some uses and “no” to others, based on what is best for humanity.
The Power Imbalance
The disproportionate influence of men like Musk, who are behind these AI models, is a cause for concern. Musk's economic power, as evidenced by the SpaceX IPO, and his market dominance in space exploration, raise questions about the potential for exploitation and the need for intervention. As history has shown, power and exploitation can become deeply entrenched, requiring significant effort to address.
Fighting for the Future
As O'Connor writes, “With the aid of technology, the future of work can be more worthy of the human mind, more careful of the human body, more satisfying to the human soul”. However, achieving this vision requires a fight, especially against the relentless march of AI and robotics advocated by Musk and other Silicon Valley billionaires. It's a battle for the preservation of our humanity in the workplace and beyond.
