Thank Goodness Universal Basic Income Saved the AI Economy (blog.tjll.net)

The recent announcement highlights the positive impact of Universal Basic Income (UBI) policies advocated by tech leaders like Sam Altman and Dario Amodei in mitigating the potential disruption caused by AI advancements. With the rise of large language models and their capability to perform white-collar tasks, numerous engineering jobs faced unprecedented threats; one example cited was 75% of an engineering team losing their jobs in a single day. UBI policies have served as a safety net, allowing affected workers, especially those in industries at risk, to transition more smoothly during this transformative period. This situation underscores the significance of proactive legislative measures in the AI/ML landscape, where traditional roles are rapidly evolving or disappearing. Without UBI, the economic consequences could have been dire, potentially stifling innovation and investment in sectors outside AI. The article illustrates a broader narrative of adaptability and resilience, where new opportunities emerge alongside challenges. By softening the impact of AI on the workforce, UBI may also invigorate the labor market, giving workers the flexibility to pivot into new roles and industries as the AI economy evolves.