Is AI Really Taking Your Bread? A Critical Look at Technology and Job Displacement

The book that inspired me to write this blog post. I came across it while listening to book reviews during my research process, which is a habit of mine when gathering material.

I'm also using AI tools in my own work. When I recently got in touch with former colleagues from a company I used to work for, I learned that many of them had been laid off due to the company's automation reforms and the introduction of AI. I left the company during the outbreak of the pandemic in 2022, choosing to resign out of concern for my elderly mother. In a way, I avoided being directly terminated due to AI. However, I believe that even if I hadn't made that choice, I likely wouldn't have escaped the same fate.

These experiences prompted me to write this article.
For those interested in reading more on this topic, you can look for the book at online bookstores.

Blood in the Machine by Brian Merchant

A robot hand taking away a loaf of bread from human hand

The Inevitability of Technological Progress

The march of technological progress is relentless and inevitable. From the industrial revolution to the digital age, each leap forward has transformed the way we live and work. The AI revolution and the approach of the technological singularity are simply the next steps in this ongoing journey. Instead of fearing these advancements, we must learn to adapt and harness their potential.

Misplacing Blame: It's Not the Technology, It's the Capital

While it's easy to point fingers at AI and automation for job losses, the real culprits often hide in plain sight. It's not the technology itself that's taking away jobs, but rather the decisions made by those who control the capital. When workers lose their value in the eyes of profit-driven entities, they become expendable. The technology is merely a tool; the hand that wields it bears the responsibility.

The True Face of Job Displacement

The real threat to job security comes not from AI, but from fellow humans driven by the relentless pursuit of profit maximization. Corporate decision-makers, guided by the logic of capitalism, are quick to adopt technologies that can boost efficiency and cut costs – often at the expense of human workers. Our focus should shift from vilifying technology to addressing the systems and incentives that prioritize profit over people.

Creating Accountability in the Age of AI

To combat the negative effects of job displacement, we need to create an environment where companies face real consequences for callously discarding human workers. This doesn't mean halting technological progress; rather, it involves crafting policies and social structures that incentivize responsible AI adoption. Companies should be encouraged to invest in reskilling programs, explore human-AI collaboration models, and bear the social costs of their automation decisions.

The AI Revolution is Here: Are We Ready?

The future we once only saw in science fiction is rapidly becoming our reality. AI-powered robots are working alongside humans in factories, autonomous vehicles are hitting the streets, and AI assistants are becoming ubiquitous in our homes and workplaces. This transformation is happening now, and we must quickly develop a robust ideology to navigate this new landscape.

The Hidden Impact of Automation and AI

Many of us may be too busy with our daily lives to notice, but the effects of automation and AI are already rippling through society. From algorithm-driven layoffs in tech giants to the quiet replacement of service workers with robots, the impact is real and growing. Even if your job feels secure today, the rapid pace of technological change means no one is truly immune to these shifts.

A Call to Action: Shaping Our AI-Driven Future

As we stand on the brink of an AI-driven future, we have a choice to make. Will we allow unchecked capitalism to dictate the terms of this new era, potentially leaving millions behind? Or will we come together to create a more equitable system that harnesses the power of AI for the benefit of all?

It's time to shift our focus from fearing AI to addressing the real issues at hand. We must demand transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations in AI deployment. We need to invest in education and retraining programs that prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow. And most importantly, we must work to create economic models that value human well-being as much as they do technological progress.

The AI revolution is not a distant threat – it's unfolding right before our eyes. By recognizing the true forces at play and taking collective action, we can shape a future where technology enhances our lives rather than threatens our livelihoods. The choice is ours to make.