Everything Going Automated: an article by GF Willmetts.
In many respects, a common theme among Golden Age Science Fiction writers was envisioning an automated society. This society would liberate humans from labor, providing more leisure time. Such a grandiose vision of a utopian future often overlooked the basic function of commerce: working for payment to acquire goods. To circumvent this, these writers conveniently made everything free, leaving one to wonder how millionaires and the wealthy would react if their fortunes became worthless overnight. Would they not resist or delay such a shift in their wealth for generations?
The concept of having everything you desire, or at least facsimiles, raises a question: what is left to strive for? While none of us desire poverty, a comfortable life earned through effort seems more rewarding than having everything handed to us. Most people dislike idleness. If ambitions can be achieved with unlimited time and fewer obstacles, how many will strive to do so? Many authors set their stories against such backdrops, focusing on ordinary life in their narratives.
Conversely, many wealthy heirs, lacking the urge to work, may not inherit their fortunes, compelling them to work. A famous surname might open doors, but it’s a point worth remembering. Would people willingly work for free in construction or transportation? Not everything can be automated, and the necessary skills might fade.
Do we really want to be so sheltered? Some are workaholics, but not always in beneficial jobs. Who will make decisions, or will we entrust them to AI?
As I’ve mentioned, many SF stories start in a utopian reality, focusing on tearing it apart rather than its creation. They often feature a male protagonist, a time traveler or from suspended animation, who changes the leadership and challenges the future. It’s doubtful our reality would be so fortunate.
Our reality seems to be moving towards automation and AI decision-making, with businesses increasingly relying on automation and AI, possibly due to perceived efficiency or to cut costs. However, this trend overlooks those not proficient with technology or those unable to afford advanced devices. The term ‘AI’ is often misused by companies promoting automated services, but these services are primarily guided by algorithms and not truly independent or customer-focused.
There’s also the issue of internet accessibility and bias, with some search engines limiting their scope to certain countries, thus restricting information.
In business, the claim that redundant employees could find other roles within the company or new job markets may not be realistic. This could lead to a generation gap of unemployed individuals, affecting both them and the businesses’ profits.
In wealthier nations, this shift towards automation is more evident, unlike in developing countries where access to technology is limited. Changing the global landscape requires a significant shift in job perception and wealth distribution, a reality that corporations and governments may not have fully considered.
One potential solution is an identification chip linked to DNA, eliminating the need for passwords and helping in various ways, such as preventing identity theft. However, this raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
AI in its current form is not true artificial intelligence but rather advanced algorithms. There’s a misconception about its capabilities, such as its role in healthcare. Real AI requires a quantum leap in technology and a different approach to mimicking human brain functions. True AI would need to learn like humans, from language to complex ethical considerations.
The rapid development of AI technology has raised concerns, as depicted in science fiction. While current AI doesn’t match its fictional counterparts, ensuring safeguards in AI programming is crucial. The indiscriminate use of the term ‘AI’ masks the reality that many systems are still based on traditional programming and may struggle with newer programming techniques.
As we integrate AI into our lives, it’s vital to ensure thorough testing and quality control. This will foster better acceptance and integration of AI in our workplaces and daily lives.
© GF Willmetts 2023
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