Over the past year, I have grappled with several alarming revelations: that American voters appear more forgiving of insurrections than inflation; that turning 37 means experiencing the first signs of wear and tear on my body; and, perhaps most poignantly, that the New York Mets seem to have made a deal with darker forces that has haunted their fans since 1986. But my most unsettling realization might be this: artificial intelligence can now perform many tasks associated with my job far better and more efficiently than I can.
For over a decade, I have built a career largely by synthesizing news articles and academic research into digestible content designed for busy professionals. It’s a skill set that necessitates rapid comprehension, coherent writing, and the ability to convey a semblance of expertise on various topics. While these are my strengths, tools like ChatGPT have demonstrated that they can process and generate information with incredible speed and accuracy.
Worse still, ChatGPT can complete these tasks in a fraction of the time it takes me. For instance, it could analyze the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the dollar in about five seconds and a minute amount of energy, whereas I would need approximately 48 hours of intense focus disrupted by numerous breaks and snacks to arrive at a similar conclusion. Not to mention that it could reframe that analysis in a pirate’s voice, an engaging twist that I could never manage on my own.
This concern is not unique to journalism; many white-collar workers—from software engineers to financial analysts—share it as they watch AI tools encroach on their roles. Major corporations have begun prioritizing AI integration over human labor. For instance, Goldman Sachs is reducing its workforce while ramping up AI capabilities, and firms like Klarna and Salesforce are reporting drastic cuts in staffing due to technological advancements.
While fears of widespread unemployment due to AI remain largely theoretical, industry trends suggest that such outcomes are lurking on the horizon, particularly for entry-level positions. Recent data reveals a worrying shift: recent college graduates, typically less vulnerable to joblessness than older workers, are now facing higher unemployment rates.
Moreover, companies are heavily investing in developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—machines capable of outperforming humans across a broad range of cognitive tasks. Leaders in the AI space, like Dario Amodei of Anthropic, predict that up to half of white-collar jobs could be obliterated by 2030, a prediction backed by substantial financial commitments to AI infrastructure this year alone, totaling approximately $375 billion.
In this climate, the discourse among anxious professionals has adopted a somewhat fatalistic tone, characterized by jokes about a “permanent underclass” emerging when AI renders human labor obsolete. In this dystopian scenario, where robots can execute virtually all tasks better than humans, the socioeconomic landscape could shift dramatically. Those who fail to capitalize on the rise of AI may find themselves at the mercy of an elite class who own the machines and infrastructure.
While some of these claims may seem exaggerated, AGI-induced neofeudalism is a plausible outcome. As the value of human labor continues to decline, ordinary workers might find fewer avenues for economic mobility. This mirrors existing societies where power imbalances severely restrict opportunities for the general populace. So, how might this trajectory unfold?
The Dangers of Automation
Historically, automation has driven economic prosperity, freeing many from the arduous tasks of manual labor and allowing for a more lavish lifestyle. Yet, this progress has come at a cost, often displacing laborers who find themselves unable to secure new employment—an issue that could become more pronounced in a future dominated by AI.
In previous waves of automation, workers could often transition to better-paying jobs as new fields emerged. The steel plow led to factory positions; industrial robots rendered assembly line labor less viable but opened doors in technology and services. However, the development of AGI could fundamentally alter that dynamic, with machines increasingly able to take over tasks once deemed essential.
Six years ago, sophisticated AI systems struggled with basic coding tasks; today, they can outperform most humans in various areas. The rapid progress suggests that it’s only a matter of time before machines can adequately handle both physical and cognitive labor.
The implications of this reality are staggering. If robots can perform a week’s worth of work while consuming fewer resources, we must consider the ethical and economic ramifications for human workers. Should the labor market see a major segment rendered irrelevant, the redistribution of wealth becomes a pressing concern.
Addressing Disparities Before They Widen
The American landscape is marked by significant inequity, with the powerful often exploiting the weaker sections of society. Yet, it also stands as one of the most egalitarian systems—compared to earlier hierarchical societies. The balance achieved in modern democracies provides a foundation for greater social equity.
Egalitarian ideals have made significant inroads, thanks to philosophies and social reforms rooted in democracy and fairness. However, if AGI becomes prevalent, there’s a risk that these egalitarian gains could reverse, leading to an era characterized by extreme wealth concentration among elites.
The lessons from countries like Norway illustrate that establishing equitable systems before a disruptive change is pivotal. Norway’s oil wealth has been utilized to create a sovereign fund that benefits all citizens, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of the resource curse.
To ensure that a fully automated economy serves everyone, we must prioritize the creation of strong political institutions that promote fairness. The work of economists such as Erik Brynjolfsson and Daron Acemoglu emphasizes the necessity of fostering labor-augmenting technologies rather than merely labor-replacing ones.
Progress in AI does not inevitably spell doom for ordinary workers. In fact, if managed properly through thoughtful governance and institutional support, advanced technology has the potential to enhance productivity and create a more equitable economic landscape for future generations.
Ultimately, we can build a future where automation uplifts society rather than relegates millions to perpetual uncertainty. Achieving this requires proactive measures today to ensure that the benefits of AI innovations are shared equitably. Here
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