August 19, 2024
The Impact of Superintelligent Robots on Jobs and Society
Philip Kotler
There is great concern about how humans will relate to the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. Humans have already experienced working in highly automated factories run largely by robotic equipment. As robots get smarter, will they take away most jobs? Will the factory in the future consist of one worker and a dog to keep the worker awake?
Kurt Vonnegut, the novelist, presented a dark picture of the future in his book Player Piano. He described a society with mass unemployment. All manufacturing jobs were done by factory robots. Most service jobs had been taken over by machines and robots. The only people left with jobs were managers and engineers who are busy designing new robots to replace the few remaining human jobs.
Kurt described how strange he felt standing next to a player piano where the keys played the melody without a pianist. Vonnegut says, “makes you feel kind of creepy, don’t it Doctor, watching them keys go up and down?” Vonnegut was wondering what technology will do to human value and meaning. He went on:
“Engineers, think about what technological `progress’ means for humanity. Managers, think about what it is that makes humans `human’ and decide whether or not it is something worth preserving. Make certain that each new technological advancement doesn’t strip humanity of its humanness, because once technological progress happens, it can’t un-happen.”
Here are four questions that concern many persons around the world:
1. Will robots act as our helpmates in our work or will they take away our jobs?
2 In what time sequence will different jobs go to robots?
3 How will retired humans think about themselves when they formerly found rich meaning in their work life? What time-filling activities will they undertake? What can be done to preserve humanity and dignity?
4 Can humans set up controls to prevent superintelligent robots from controlling us or even harming or destroying us?
These questions are very difficult to answer. All one can get is a collection of opinions. I decided that the best way to gather a broad view of opinion is to put these four questions to ChatGPT. Chat CPT covers all the world’s talk and opinions. Here are ChatGPT’s thoughtful answers about where humanity and technology are headed.
1. Will robots act as our helpmates in our work or will they take away our jobs?
“The rapid advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has raised significant concerns about the future of human employment and the broader societal implications of superintelligent machines. As robots become increasingly capable, the prospect of widespread job displacement looms large, with profound consequences for individuals, economies, and the fabric of society. This essay explores the potential impact of superintelligent robots on jobs, the kinds of jobs most likely to be lost, the challenges of supporting a largely jobless population, and the measures that might be taken to preserve human dignity and prevent robotic dominance.
2. In what time sequence will different jobs go to robots?
The Initial Impact on Employment
As robots and AI systems become more sophisticated, they are expected to first displace jobs that are repetitive, routine, and require minimal human creativity or emotional intelligence. These include roles in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, such as assembly line workers, cashiers, and truck drivers. Robots’ ability to perform tasks with precision and efficiency will likely make them the preferred option in these sectors, where cost-cutting and productivity gains are paramount.
Beyond manual labor, white-collar jobs involving data processing, analysis, and decision-making are also at risk. Superintelligent AI could surpass human capabilities in fields like accounting, legal research, and even medical diagnostics, where vast amounts of data must be analyzed quickly and accurately. As robots encroach on these domains, the displacement of human workers could accelerate, leading to widespread unemployment.
3. How will retired humans think about themselves when they formerly found rich meaning in their work life? What time-filling activities will they undertake? What can be done to preserve humanity and dignity?
The Future of a Jobless Society
If robots eventually become capable of performing most jobs, the majority of people may find themselves without traditional employment. This scenario raises critical questions about how to support a jobless population. One potential solution is the implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI), where all citizens receive a regular, unconditional sum of money to cover their basic needs. UBI could ensure that people maintain a decent standard of living, even in the absence of work.
However, financial support alone may not be sufficient to address the psychological and social implications of widespread unemployment. Work has long been a source of identity, purpose, and self-worth for many individuals. The absence of traditional jobs could lead to a crisis of meaning, with people struggling to find new ways to contribute to society and feel valued. To mitigate this, it will be crucial to foster a culture that emphasizes creativity, lifelong learning, and community engagement. People might find fulfillment in pursuits like the arts, volunteerism, or personal development, areas where human qualities like empathy and creativity remain irreplaceable.
In a world dominated by superintelligent robots, maintaining a sense of self-worth and humanity will be paramount. Education systems will need to adapt to prepare people for roles that complement, rather than compete with, robots. Emphasizing emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary thinking can help people carve out niches where human intuition and judgment are indispensable.
Moreover, society must safeguard human dignity by ensuring that robots are designed and deployed in ways that enhance human life rather than diminish it. Ethical guidelines and regulations should govern the development and use of AI, with a focus on promoting human welfare and preventing harm. This might include ensuring that robots are programmed with values aligned with human rights and dignity, and that they are transparent in their decision-making processes.
4. Can humans set up controls to prevent superintelligent robots from controlling us or even harming or destroying us?
Preventing Robotic Dominance
The prospect of superintelligent robots gaining control over human affairs or posing a threat to humanity is a legitimate concern. To prevent such outcomes, it is essential to establish robust control mechanisms and governance frameworks. One approach is to embed strict ethical constraints and fail-safes into AI systems, ensuring they cannot act against human interests. For example, AI systems could be designed to require human oversight for critical decisions, particularly those involving national security, justice, and healthcare. In addition, international cooperation will be necessary to develop and enforce regulations that prevent the misuse of AI and robotics. This might involve the creation of global treaties that limit the development of autonomous weapons and ensure that AI technologies are used for peaceful purposes. Public and private sectors must work together to monitor and regulate AI development, with transparency and accountability as guiding principles.
Conclusion
The rise of superintelligent robots presents both unprecedented challenges and opportunities for humanity. While the displacement of jobs is likely, the way society responds will determine whether this transition leads to widespread despair or a new era of human flourishing. By providing economic support, fostering new avenues for personal fulfillment, and implementing robust controls to prevent robotic dominance, humanity can navigate this technological revolution while preserving its dignity, autonomy, and sense of purpose. The future may be uncertain, but with thoughtful planning and ethical foresight, it can be one where humans and robots coexist in a way that benefits all.”
